Anthony White was leading the Crate LM feature just before the incident
Crate Late Model racer Anthony White has been suspended from racing at Volunteer Speedway for two weeks following an incident that occurred during a caution period on Monday night in the ‘Freedom Isn’t Free’ event held at that track. Since the Bulls Gap, Tenn. track is part of an alliance that includes 411 Motor Speedway, I-75 Raceway, Tazewell Speedway, Boyd’s Speedway and Wartburg Speedway, the driver of the No. 2x machine will not be allowed to participate in any races held at those tracks prior to June 12, 2017.
White was involved in an intense battle for the lead with Cory Hedgecock during the early laps of the Crate Late Model feature on Monday evening at Volunteer Speedway. The two cars banged into each other coming off of turn two on lap 12 of that $1,500-to-win race that had been slated for 30 laps. Both cars slammed the inside portion of the backstretch wall after the initial contact.
According to reports, White then exited his car and threw his steering at Hedgecock. Both of those actions are what led to the decision issued on Wednesday afternoon by track officials.
Here is the full statement released by Volunteer Speedway:
“After a lot of research and talking with several people involved we’ve made the decision to suspend Anthony White for two weeks for his involvement in the altercation during the Crate Late Model incident on the back straightaway this past Monday night. Although no blows were landed Mr. White was the aggressor first by leaving his car on the track and going to the other drivers car, but the main reason for the suspension is he used a steering wheel as a weapon while throwing it at the other driver (No different than throwing a punch). The first video couldn’t confirm his actions but after viewing a second video from a uninvolved source there was no choice but to suspend Mr. White for his involvement. #23 Cory Hedgecock will receive no penalty because he never left his car nor his crew never became involved in the situation. With our rules being in alliance with Tazewell Speedway, 411 Motor Speedway, Wartburg Speedway, Boyd’s Speedway, I-75 Raceway, and Volunteer Speedway. Mr. White will not be able to race at any of these facilities no earlier than June 12. No further statement will be made on this subject as this decision is final. Racing is a very emotional sport and that’s understood but when incidents like these happen it’s funny to some until a innocent bystander or a child gets hurt and then it’s why wasn’t anything done. All opinions need to be keep on your own personal page and not this one. As it will not be tolerated.”
Volunteer Speedway
