Spring Break
Local man dies in racing accident (7/2/08)
Sarah Zeeck
Issue date: 7/2/08 Section: News
A Beardstown man was pronounced dead on the scene 8:50 PM last Saturday at the Macomb Raceway when he was trapped inside his burning car.
According to authorities, Kevin Lyles, 35 of Beardstown was racing a passenger car that he converted into a race car when he hit a tractor tire causing his vehicle to overturn and burst into flames.
The speedway, located on West Adams Street, past an apartment complex, a church, several housing subdivisons and a few farms, holds races every weekend on its dirt-path tracks.
Rob Giles, owner of Macomb Raceways, said track personnel made every possible attempt to extract Lyles from the car and attempted to extinguish the flames but due to the nature of the fire, such attempts yielded unsuccessful results.
"Our staff did everything in their power to change the outcome of this accident," Giles said. "I know that in my heart of hearts." He added that the Macomb Raceway's Mid-season championship that had previously been scheduled for July 5 would be postponed until July 12.
Additionally, the Macomb Police Department, Colchester Police Department, Blandinsville Police Department, Macomb Fire Department, Emmet-Chalmers Fire Department, Illinois State Police, McDonough District Hospital and the McDonough County Coroners Office assisted personnel on the scene.
Giles said, "I know racing is inherently dangerous, but nothing could ever prepare anyone for a tragedy like this."
The accident is still under investigation and Lyles' exact cause of death is still uncertain at this point.
Lyles is survived by his wife, Jyll, as well as four children (Cheyenne, Megan, Emily, and Kaleb), a sister (Heather Ren), and two brothers (Brandon Lyles and Sawn Lyles). A memorial service will be held tonight from 4-7 at Sager Funeral home in Beardstown, and graveside services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday at the Beardstown City Cemetery following a procession from Sager funeral home beginning at 10:45.
According to authorities, Kevin Lyles, 35 of Beardstown was racing a passenger car that he converted into a race car when he hit a tractor tire causing his vehicle to overturn and burst into flames.
The speedway, located on West Adams Street, past an apartment complex, a church, several housing subdivisons and a few farms, holds races every weekend on its dirt-path tracks.
Rob Giles, owner of Macomb Raceways, said track personnel made every possible attempt to extract Lyles from the car and attempted to extinguish the flames but due to the nature of the fire, such attempts yielded unsuccessful results.
"Our staff did everything in their power to change the outcome of this accident," Giles said. "I know that in my heart of hearts." He added that the Macomb Raceway's Mid-season championship that had previously been scheduled for July 5 would be postponed until July 12.
Additionally, the Macomb Police Department, Colchester Police Department, Blandinsville Police Department, Macomb Fire Department, Emmet-Chalmers Fire Department, Illinois State Police, McDonough District Hospital and the McDonough County Coroners Office assisted personnel on the scene.
Giles said, "I know racing is inherently dangerous, but nothing could ever prepare anyone for a tragedy like this."
The accident is still under investigation and Lyles' exact cause of death is still uncertain at this point.
Lyles is survived by his wife, Jyll, as well as four children (Cheyenne, Megan, Emily, and Kaleb), a sister (Heather Ren), and two brothers (Brandon Lyles and Sawn Lyles). A memorial service will be held tonight from 4-7 at Sager Funeral home in Beardstown, and graveside services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday at the Beardstown City Cemetery following a procession from Sager funeral home beginning at 10:45.
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