Charlie Webster killed in crash at Oxford Plains Speedway on Wednesday night

Driver Charlie Webster of Auburn was killed during a race at Oxford Plains Speedway on Wednesday night.

Webster, 38, competed in the track's midweek Accleration Series.

"It was a tragic accident," said Oxford Plains owner Bill Ryan.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

Webster was racing in a 20-lap Runnin' Rebel feature when he crashed his car off the track's second turn. He was taken to nearby Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway and pronounced dead.

Webster's grandmother, Melba Reynolds, told the Sun Journal that "everybody liked Charles."

"Every time he was over, he gave me a hug and a kiss," Reynolds told the paper. "Any time I needed help, Charles was there... We're going to miss him."

-- TRAVIS BARRETT, GWC Editor

Comments

[Tristan]

Charlie was a really nice guy. He was one of the guys that would always show up right before the 6:00 lineup cutoff and I would give him crap about it in a joking manner because I knew we could always count on him being there even though we didn't see him yet. That won't be so now. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by his OPS "family."

[Ben Krauter]

Its so sad and so shocking. There but for the grace of god go all the rest of us that ever drive a race car. I hope that a collection will be taken up for his family. I know Charlie has several young children. I'm not a particularly religious person but dear god no.

[GWC]

My understanding is that they will have both a moment of silence and a passing of the helmet at the track on Friday night for Charlie's family.

TB

[Gabe]

Don't know who you were but my deepest condolences go out to the family and friends. Sad but truth is God had a plan for him.....My prayer go out to his children

[fomer track worker]

may god blees him and his family as a former racer i know the fears

[Kevin F]

Tristan,

Well said. I used to do the exact same thing for Charlie and he'd always smile, thank me and tell me that I could count on him being there the next week. Unfortunately for everyone...now he wont be.

[Oliver28]

I would like to give my winner's check from Wednesday to Charlie's family. I did not know Charlie personally, but knew Charlie as a fellow racer. The picture on OPS's website of his Mayhem win last Friday shows in his smile how much he loved racing. Everytime I see that picture his smile makes me smile too. My thoughts are with Charlie and his family.

[Tristan]

They did very well in the helmet pass tonight. What a great show of support for a valued member of the racing community. Along with Oliver above, there were other drivers that donated their checks to the cause.

There will also be a booth at the track Saturday and Sunday for anyone that was not there or able to give tonight.

PS - Charlie's Enduro winning car is at the track near their camping area. Stop by and pass on your well wishes to the family if you get the chance.