Family confirms identity of race car driver injured in Lernerville crash – Butler Eagle

Chicora native Shane Nolan was driving the No. 61 car when it crashed with two laps to go at Lernerville Speedway in Buffalo Township on Sunday, Oct. 13. Nolan was transported by medical helicopter to UPMC Presbyterian. Holly Mead/Specially for the Eagle

Emergency crews are working to save a driver after a serious crash Sunday, Oct. 13, at Lernerville Speedway in Buffalo Township. Holly Mead/Specially for the Eagle

The No. 61 race car is towed back to the garage behind the Lernerville Speedway office in Buffalo Township after a serious accident on Sunday, October 13th. William Pitts/Butler Eagle

William Pitts

Race car No. 61 crashes with two laps to go on Sunday, October 13, at Lernerville Speedway in Buffalo Township. Driver Shane Nolan of Chicora was transported by medical helicopter to UMPC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. Holly Mead/Specially for the Eagle

Race car No. 61 crashes with two laps to go on Sunday, October 13, at Lernerville Speedway in Buffalo Township. Driver Shane Nolan of Chicora was transported by medical helicopter to UMPC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. Holly Mead/Specially for the Eagle

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  Chicora native Shane Nolan was driving the No. 61 car when it crashed with two laps to go at Lernerville Speedway in Buffalo Township on Sunday, Oct. 13. Nolan was transported by medical helicopter to UPMC Presbyterian. Holly Mead/Specially for the Eagle

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  Emergency crews are working to save a driver after a serious crash Sunday, Oct. 13, at Lernerville Speedway in Buffalo Township. Holly Mead/Specially for the Eagle

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  The No. 61 race car is towed back to the garage behind the Lernerville Speedway office in Buffalo Township after a serious accident on Sunday, October 13th. William Pitts/Butler Eagle

  William Pitts

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  Race car No. 61 crashes with two laps to go on Sunday, October 13, at Lernerville Speedway in Buffalo Township. Driver Shane Nolan of Chicora was transported by medical helicopter to UMPC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. Holly Mead/Specially for the Eagle

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  Race car No. 61 crashes with two laps to go on Sunday, October 13, at Lernerville Speedway in Buffalo Township. Driver Shane Nolan of Chicora was transported by medical helicopter to UMPC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. Holly Mead/Specially for the Eagle

The driver injured in an accident during a race at Lernerville Speedway on Sunday, October 13th is Chicora native Shane Nolan.

Nolan was transported by helicopter to UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh after an accident during the Geibel Fest Day of Destruction races in Lernerville – the last scheduled day of racing at the Buffalo Township track for the 2024 season.

Several people associated with Nolan identified him as the driver on social media, and a family member confirmed his identity to the Butler Eagle.

UPMC Presbyterian confirmed Sunday that Nolan was transported there but could not provide further information on his condition.

Nolan was driving the No. 61 car during the Enduro 100-lap race when, according to eyewitnesses, his car crashed into a wall, rolled over and landed on its roof. The accident occurred around 2:30 p.m., two laps before the end of the race.

Emergency responders used the Jaws of Life to remove Nolan from the race car before he was transported to UPMC Presbyterian by a STAT MedEvac helicopter. The helicopter took off for the hospital shortly before 3:30 p.m

Race car No. 61 crashes with two laps to go on Sunday, October 13, at Lernerville Speedway in Buffalo Township. Driver Shane Nolan of Chicora was transported by medical helicopter to UMPC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. Holly Mead/Specially for the Eagle

The Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Department brought several ambulances to the scene, and the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department was also stationed at the speedway.

“I just saw the car roll over and when they pulled the guy out he was completely blue,” said Mike Richie, who saw the accident.

After the accident, the race continued in Lernerville. The day's program consisted of several types of racing, including double figure eight racing and truck and boat trailer racing.

Despite the crash, Nolan was credited with finishing seventh out of 22 riders in his race.

According to Nolan's racer profile on myracepass.com, this was the fourth race Nolan competed in, the previous three also taking place at Lernerville. His best result was fourth place on September 21st.

Two other members of the Nolan family, Kyle and Mason, also attended the race Sunday.