Mike Townsend(photo from Facebook)
A eerie hush fell over the normally loud and bustling 411 Motor Speedway on Friday night during the running of the Mini Stock feature race. Midway through that event, the No. 5 machine of Mike Townsend began driving erratically before coming to a stop on the backstretch of the facility.
Spectators looked on anxiously as track officials and members of the Sevier County Rescue Squad hurried to the scene and began administering to the ailing driver. CPR was performed until an ambulance arrived and Townsend was placed inside to be taken to an area hospital.
Unfortunately, Townsend could not be saved by rescue personnel and he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Soon after the word of the driver’s passing spread, an outpouring a sympathy and regards was offered by friends, family and fellow racers. His Facebook page has received numerous postings by those wishing to offer their condolences to Townsend and his family.
Among the tributes were phrases such as “you were a great driver as well as person” and “it was an honor to call him a friend”.
Townsend had won several Mini Stock races at 411 and was 3rd in that division’s standings at the track, a position in which he had finished in each of the past three seasons.
Townsend was one week shy of his 43rd birthday. According to his Facebook page, he had been married to wife Teresa since 1990. He lived in Knoxville and had attended Seymour High School.
InsideDirtRacing.com offers its deepest sympathies to the family of this highly regarded driver and gentleman.
