FAIR HAVEN, Vt. – Police say a stock car racer taking a ceremonial victory lap died after suffering an apparent medical problem following a race in Vermont.
Devil's Bowl Speedway officials identified the driver as 63-year-old Leon Gonyo of Chazy, New York. They say he had raced stock cars for more than 40 years throughout the Northeast and Canada. Saturday's race marked his fifth victory of the season at the Fair Haven track.
Gonyo had just won the speedway's final asphalt NASCAR All-American Series Modified race of the season when the medical problem occurred. Authorities say he accelerated into a wall, injuring the leg of a speedway official.
Gonyo was wearing a helmet and seatbelt when the accident occurred.
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