The Flamboro Speedway has confirmed the person killed during an incident over the weekend was a flagman.
In a social media post on Monday, the speedway northwest of Hamilton, Ont., wrote, “Unfortunately, following the incident that occurred during a feature event, our Flagman Doug MacLean has passed away.”
MacLean was manning the starter stand on Saturday night when two vehicles collided. One of the cars was sent flying into the air and slammed into the platform.
Emergency responders were called to the racetrack around 9:15 p.m. and MacLean was taken to Hamilton General Hospital where he died from his injuries.
“It’s a tragedy. It’s a big loss,” John Casale, co-owner of Flamboro Speedway, said. “He was not only a worker here, he was a great friend.”
Casale said the starter stand has been in the same position for 25 years, and there has never been a similar incident.
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development was notified of the incident and an investigation is underway.
A legacy of love
MacLean, who was 70-years-old, has been a familiar face around the track for decades.
“He was a fixture here. He loved what he did,” Casale recalled.
MacLean was a racer at the Flamboro Speedway from 1979 until 1986. Once he stopped racing himself, he helped other achieve their dream, notably working for Charlie Beck’s pit crew.
In the early 1990s, he began working at the track as an official, and eventually became a flagman.
A flagman is a track official who is responsible for communicating race instructions and track conditions to drivers using a series of flag signals.
In 2001, he was named head starter, the official in charge of beginning the races.
In recognition of his dedication over the years, MacLean was inducted into the Flamboro Speedway Hall of Fame.
People who worked alongside him say his passion was clear.
“Actually, he was off a week ago,” Casale said. “He didn’t know what to do with himself because he wants to be here.”
He was also known for sharing his love of racing with children and inspiring the next generation.
The track is open and another night of racing is scheduled for this upcoming Saturday.
But for many, MacLean’s absence will weigh heavily on the community.
