Fundraising underway for pit crew member critically injured at Eagle Raceway

Fundraising efforts are underway to help a Lincoln man critically injured in a pit row crash at Eagle Raceway.


Justin Vanderharr, 35, remained in critical condition Tuesday at Bryan Medical Center's west campus in Lincoln, a hospital spokesman said. He was injured Saturday night while working on the pit crew for his friend, racer Adam Gullion.


A hobby stock car had a malfunction that caused its throttle to become stuck open, according to the Cass County Sheriff's Office. The car left the track at a high rate of speed and went airborne, striking other vehicles and pinning Vanderharr under one of them.
Andrea Gullion, the racer's wife, started a GoFundMe account to help Vanderharr's family with a goal of $25,000. Eagle Raceway also announced that a silent auction will be held Saturday in the track's courtyard, with proceeds going to benefit the Vanderharr family.


Bidding will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Anyone wishing to donate items is asked to call the Eagle Raceway office at 402-238-2595.
Vanderharr, who has two children from a previous relationship, was married April 19 to Staysha Vanderharr. Gullion said Vanderharr is in a medically induced coma.


Andrea Gullion said the money raised for Vanderharr will be used for medical expenses and loss of wages. Vanderharr works as a journeyman electrician, she said.
"We ask that you pray for Justin and for his family," Gullion said. "He was there giving his time to a sport he loves so much and is now in the fight of his life. He has been a crew member of our team as long as I can remember and an even better friend to Adam before that."


Vanderharr has a severe brain injury and suffered multiple skull fractures. His friends and family were heartened Monday when his eyes opened a few times, Gullion said.


"The race community has been unbelievable in its support," she said. "We've heard from people as far away as New Zealand, Australia and Canada on our Team Gullion (Facebook) page. Their thoughts, prayers and donations are really huge for Justin."


Eagle Raceway is a one-third-mile dirt track 2 miles east of Eagle, Nebraska, on U.S. Highway 34 in Cass County.