Jimmy Johnston dies from crash at Eldora Speedway

Rossburg, Ohio (April 6) - Jimmy Johnston, long time Sprint car driver, had a fatal crash on the first lap of the UMP Modifieds feature race at Eldora Speedway. Johnston, 48, from Lima, Ohio was clipped on the opening lap, hit the wall heavily and rolled. The race was red flagged to attend to Johnston.

Attempts to revive Johnston continued at Wayne Hospital in Greenville where they were unsuccessful. The Drake County Coroners office stated that Johnston died from head trauma.

Eldora Speedway officials made the announcement at the end of the evenings activities: "We regret to announce that Johnston was fatally injured. The entire staff at Eldora Speedway, along with the competitors, extend their sympathy and prayers to the Johnston family."

Johnston has raced at Limaland Motorsports Park for twenty-years primarily in a 360 Sprint car. In July of last year, he won the 'Dash for Cash' event. He finished 11th in the 2001 360 Sprint standings.

"He was a very personable racer," stated Limaland general manager Bob Fricke. "The entire staff at Limaland Motorsports Park extends their deepest sympathy and prayers to the Johnston family."

Motorsport.com offers our condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy Johnston.