The Cape Breton Dragway sign at the intersection of Grand Lake Road and Washplant Road. A driver died at the dragstrip Sunday after his vehicle struck several concrete barriers. Photo by Chris Connors /Cape Breton PostArticle contentOne person is dead following an accident during competition at Cape Breton Dragway in Sydney.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe incident occurred on Sunday morning in what is believed to have been time trials for competition at the Washplant Road facility.Article contentArticle contentThe Cape Breton Regional Police, Sydney Fire Department and Emergency Health Services were called to the scene.Article contentArticle contentAccording to a witness on scene, who didn’t want to be named, the male driver allegedly lined up to begin the race. When the light turned green, the driver is believed to have remained at the start position for a few seconds before taking off and hitting the concrete barriers all the way down the dragstrip and eventually coming to a stop.Article content The gate at the entrance of the Cape Breton Dragway in Sydney. Photo by Chris Connors /Cape Breton PostArticle contentThe speed the vehicle was travelling and the official cause of the accident could not be confirmed at publication time.Article contentThe driver, who was named as Brad Conrad in a statement by Cape Breton Dragway on their message board, was believed to have died on scene, but the Cape Breton Post could not confirm that at press time. The driver is believed to be from the Pictou County area.Article content“On behalf of all racers across Atlantic Canada, we offer our deepest condolences on Brad’s passing to all his family and friends,” read the statement from Cape Breton Dragway on Monday night.Article contentArticle content A driver died at the Cape Breton Dragway on Sunday after his vehicle struck the concrete barriers that line the dragstrip. Chris Connors/Cape Breton PostArticle contentThe Post contacted Gerard Bryden, board member for the Cape Breton Drag Racing Association, who said track officials will not be releasing any further comment on the incident at this time.Article contentArticle contentThe Post also contacted Cape Breton Regional Police about the incident, but did not hear back at publication time.Article contentThe racing community from across Atlantic Canada took to social media to mourn the loss of the driver.Article content“Our sincere condolences to family and friends from Miramichi Dragway management and staff,” wrote Marc Comeau on the Cape Breton Dragway Facebook page.Article content“Sending our deepest condolences from the Atlantic Pro Tree Series,” wrote Mary Elizabeth Hicks on the post.Article contentThe Atlantic Drag Racing Association (ADRA) also issued a statement on Facebook on Monday night.Article content“We have sad news to pass along,” read the statement. “Longtime racer and crew chief for his father Brad Conrad suddenly passed away at Cape Breton Dragway on Sunday, Aug. 10. On behalf of the ADRA executive and our racers we pass our condolences to his parents Reg and Brenda.”Article contentThe races at Cape Breton Dragway were cancelled on Sunday and are not expected to be rescheduled.Article contentThe competition was the third race weekend of the season at Cape Breton Dragway. The weekend also included the Big Rig Show and Go competition on Saturday. Bryden told the Post results from the weekend will not be released.Article contentRacing is currently scheduled to resume at Cape Breton Dragway on Aug. 28-31 with National Hot Rod Association sanctioned races for Wally Awards expected to take place.Article content
Race car driver dead following accident at Cape Breton Dragway
