A drag race fan was killed and a second was seriously injured while at an event hosted by Harrells Raceway in Harrells, North Carolina, on Sunday, 16 May 2010.

Joseph Wactor lost control of his Pro Mod-style Corvette, likely near the top end of the 1/8-mile track at the approximate speed of 135 mi/h (217 km/h). The car struck a guardrail, disintegrated and sent the engine into the crowd.

Two spectators who were standing alongside the track's chain-link fence, were hit by flying engine parts and shrapnel. One of the injured spectators, Terry McDougald of Lillington, was pronounced dead shortly after admission at Sampson Regional Medical Center, Clinton, North Carolina.

The other injured man, whose name was not released, was taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina, with non life-threatening injuries. Several parked vehicles were damaged by the flying debris, the driver Joseph Wactor sustained only minor injuries.

Harrells Raceway is located in the tiny town of Harrells. The track which was opened in 1989, is not sanctioned by the International Hot Rod Association. The contests at the one-eighth-mile track are known as grudge races.

Track conditions were not thought to be the cause of the incident. It had rained at Harrells earlier in the day, but the track had been dried before the start of the proceedings and cars had been down the track safely following the shower.

Terry McDougald was at the track to celebrate his 52nd birthday. He was survived by his wife, Karen McDougald; daughters, Thawanna Buie, Tonya Johnson and Rocqueal Buie; sons, Terrell McDougald and Anthony Buie; sisters, Lillie Waters, Edna Kelly, Mary McDougald, Yvonne Melvin, Barbara McIver and Shernita Kelly; brothers, Charlie McDougald, Jerry McDougald and Earl McDougald; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

On 28 March 1992, Harrells Raceway was the scene of its first racing fatality, when James B. Smith died when he crashed his car into a guard rail, during a practice run.

R.I.P