This isn’t the first incident at the Knoxville Nationals, and it certainly won’t be the last. However, this particular crash has captured the attention of racing enthusiasts from all over the globe.
McKenna Haase, the talented Sprint car driver from Iowa, found herself in a harrowing collision with Terry McCarl’s No. 24 sprint car while piloting her No. 55. The 27-year-old racer was swiftly transported to the hospital following the crash. Since that moment, updates on her condition have been scarce. The first news came from her mother, Kelly Anne Haase, who shared on Facebook that McKenna is dealing with a pneumothorax, as well as lacerations in her mouth and tongue, alongside significant bruising.
Fortunately, thanks to Jennifer Marshall, we finally have some news. It appears to be a positive development. This encouraging update comes from the individual overseeing operations at Stenhouse Jr. Marshall Racing, a prominent competitor of McKenna’s Team Hasse Racing LLC.
After the incident, McKenna Haase is under the care of medical professionals for a thorough assessment of her injury. Both trauma centers in the metropolitan area are currently at full capacity, making her transfer to De Moines seem quite improbable. As fans held onto hope and sent their thoughts and prayers, encouraging news about her health emerged.
Jennifer Marshall, co-owner of Stenhouse Jr. Marshall Racing, took to social media to share the uplifting update. On her personal X account, she shared, “Spent the morning with McKenna. Those Angel credits she has came in handy last night. She’s up with that big, beautiful smile of hers, laughing and staying positive. She has a small hole in her lung and is getting it checked again at noon. Her mouth got cut up, but she still asked for some of those mini donuts. We went and got her a smoothie. Her neck and everything else checked out perfectly!”
This post marks the first update fans have received about Haase, aside from information from her mother.
In addition to the ongoing concerns for McKenna Haase, several of her personal items are unaccounted for, including her iPhone, which is likely somewhere along the tracks. Kelly Anne Hasse has announced a reward for anyone who locates and returns it. She also shared an update on McKenna’s health through Facebook: “Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately, the pneumothorax in McKenna’s lung has increased in size. She will be closely monitored, with her next scans set for midnight.”
As heartfelt wishes continue to flood in for McKenna Haase, it’s evident that her journey back to the racetrack will require patience. While she receives essential medical attention, it’s important to consider why injuries at Knoxville Raceway can be particularly severe. A review of previous incidents at Knoxville underscores the risks and difficulties associated with racing at this location.
This isn’t the first time the Knoxville Nationals have made headlines due to accidents. The venue, especially during this event, has gained a reputation for such incidents in recent years. Just last year, a tragic accident involving Cody Ihlen captured attention when his car flipped dramatically as the race approached the first turn, resulting in serious injuries for the driver.
The medical team was on the scene in no time, swiftly transporting him to the hospital. Ihlen was only able to leave the treatment facility the following day. After a period of recovery, the owner of Ihlen Motorsports made a strong comeback.
Last year, Knoxville Raceway experienced another alarming incident just before the Nationals. This time, it involved Davie Franek during the 360-sprint car feature. A two-time champion of the Patriot Sprint Tour, United Racing Club, and Selinsgrove Speedway, Franek arrived at Knoxville brimming with optimism. However, his day took a drastic turn when he collided with Sammy Swindell’s car, which was already flipped over, resulting in serious injuries.
Franek was subsequently rushed to Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, where he sustained injuries similar to those of McKenna Haase.
While motorsports can be exhilarating, they also carry significant risks and potential dangers. EssentialSports extends its heartfelt prayers for McKenna Haase and hopes for her swift recovery.
McKenna Haase’s Recovery: Encouraging Health News for the 27-Year-Old Female Racer Following a Life-Threatening Accident in Knoxville.
