Regrettably, Lamont Akins, 48, a veteran drag racer from New Jersey, died May 25, while making a solo pass in his ’71 Plymouth Duster (above) at Maryland International Raceway (MIR). The track, owned and operated by Royce Miller, issued the following statement May 27, via its Facebook page:
“The MIR staff and Miller Family were deeply saddened on the tragic racing accident that claimed the life of 48 year old Lamont Akins from Stewartsville NJ. Our deepest condolences go out to the Akins family, crew and friends.
“What we know about the accident is that Lamont on his first and only run of the day was on a single run with no one in the other lane. He lost control of the car at the finish line in the right lane, crossed lanes, struck the concrete wall and rolled. Lamont was ejected from the car without his helmet on and sustained fatal injuries. Starting line photos of the run show Lamont’s helmet was on when he left the starting line.
“Investigators found the helmet inside the car and the seat belts and roll bar were still intact and anchored after the accident. This is the first on track fatality in the 25 year history of the Miller family at MIR and it is very disheartening for us all.
“If anyone wishes to send condolences to the family, please send them to freemanlori@msn.com. If you would make a donation to the family in this time of need, please send to Freeman-Akins family at 327 Winding Way, Bethlehem PA 18020.”