Friday, May 8, 2015

Leavine Family Racing shop in Concord, N.C., suffers 'significant damage'

  
   According to a statement from Leavine Family Racing, an early morning fire in its race shop on Concord, N.C., on Friday did "significant damage" to the back area of the shop where several of its Sprint Cup Series cars were located. 

   "We can confirm there was a fire at our Concord, N.C., shop. Luckily no one was injured," said a statement provided by a team spokesperson. "We are working with the fire department and local officials to determine what happened."


   Late Friday, team officials said the structural damage to the shop may cause the organization to move its racing operations, however they did not believe the change would alter the team's competitive schedule.

    The fire was first reported around 7 a.m. and was brought under control by 8:30 a.m. Four race cars in the building - primarily backup cars - were destroyed, located in an 8,000-square foot section of the shop. A complete investigation of the fire continues by local authorities.  

   Most of the team members were already at Kansas Speedway this weekend as driver Michael McDowell will compete in Saturday night's SpongeBob SquarePants 400.