March 24, 2014 — staff report by Managing Editor Jacob Seelman for Race Chaser Online — video still courtesy Marion County Sheriff’s Office — OCALA, FL — A 15-year-old girl has died after being involved in an on-track crash during a qualifying session at Bubba Raceway Park (BRP) in Marion County, Florida.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Niokoa Johnson died of her injuries at the hospital at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. The crash happened around 6:30 p.m. Saturday at BRP, located in the town of Ocala.
Witnesses said Johnson was piloting her Nissan Sentra race machine when she lost control at the north end of the speedway during her second lap of time trials. Unable to regain control of the car, Johnson crashed into a concrete barrier.
Witnesses told deputies that Johnson was unconscious before she was rushed to Ocala Regional Medical Center. She was then airlifted to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, where she later died.
Deputies said Saturday was the teen’s first time on the racetrack.
The staff at Speed77 Radio and RaceChaser Online wishes to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Niokoa Johnson and the Bubba Raceway Park on this tragic loss.
