The energy at Attica Raceway Park came to a halt Tuesday night as a terrifying crash involving 25-year-old sprint car driver Kalib Henry brought the Brad Doty Classic to an emotional standstill.
A sellout crowd watched in stunned silence as emergency crews worked to free the Sacramento native from the wreckage of his 410 sprint car after a high-speed collision during the Last Chance Showdown.
Henry was battling for a transfer spot to the A-Main when he made contact with Brady Bacon coming out of Turn 4.
The impact sent Henry’s car flying into the guardrail cage-first, crushing the wing and suspending the race.
Kalib Henry Was Transporter To The Hospital Through Helicopter
Rescue crews rushed to the scene and spent several tense minutes extricating Henry.
Parts of his mangled car had to be cut away before he was carefully placed on a backboard.
As he was loaded into the ambulance, Henry raised his right arm to the crowd, a signal of life that brought some comfort to onlookers.
The incident delayed the event for over an hour.
Henry was taken to the backstretch of the track, where a helicopter landed at 10:06 p.m. to transport him to a hospital in Toledo, Ohio, for evaluation.
Track officials said Henry was alert, moving all extremities, and communicating with emergency crews.
The airlift was conducted out of an abundance of caution, due to the back pain Henry reported after the crash.
Bacon, who was also involved in the collision, was able to walk away uninjured.
Kalib Henry’s Father Was Also A Racer
Kalib Henry has racing in his blood.
Born and raised in Sacramento, he’s been behind the wheel since the age of 7, following in the footsteps of his father, three-time Sprint Car Champion Mike Henry.
Kalib has raced in Outlaw Karts, Micro Sprints, Midgets, and Sprint Cars since 2006, and his relentless drive and mechanical skills have earned him respect across the racing community.
Henry moved to Ohio in 2023 and has become a regular contender at Attica and Fremont, consistently earning Top 5 finishes.
Earlier this year, he placed eighth in a World of Outlaws A-Main and fifth in the same event last season.
He races for Muth Racing, working side by side with his crew chief, Kevin Osmolski, out of their Fremont, Ohio-based shop.
Kalib Henry Will Surely Come Back Stronger Than Ever
Despite the frightening crash, Henry’s 2024 campaign has been his most ambitious yet.
With plans to compete in over 50 races across the Midwest and West Coast, he’s been pushing the limits to achieve even greater victories.
His off-season included a triumphant run in the Australian SprintCars AllStars, where he won the AllStar Challenge, and he planned to return to Australia again in 2025.
As of the latest update, Kalib Henry remains in the hospital for further evaluation, but the community remains hopeful.
A post on his official Facebook page assured fans that he is alert and stable.
The post reads,
“Kalib is alert, moving, and communicating with safety crews. He is being transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. We will provide updates when more information is available.”
The racing world continues to rally around Henry, sending thoughts and prayers for a speedy and full recovery.
More updates are expected from the family and Muth Racing in the coming days.
