Young racer suffers severe burns

Justin Able, 14, of Milton, suffered from third degree burns Saturday after hi mini sprint flipped during a race at Southern Raceway.

Able was eventually transported to a burn center in Gainesville, but witnesses say they believe the crash could have been handled better.

Linda Letellier, one of the owners of Southern Raceway, said she was in the office doing paperwork when she heard the announcer telling people to stay away from the fire.

"They had gotten him out of the car, he was OK as far as he was functioning," she said.

Volunteer firefighters from East Milton were on standby, but took more than 2 minutes to pull the truck up to the track where the car was still on fire. Someone captured the incident on video and posted it of Facebook. The video shows firefighters attempting to put out the alcohol fire using a bucket. Alcohol fires require a special chemical.

For the complete story, see the Oct. 13 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.