I44 Riverside Speedway was hit very hard by an EF3 tornado. The tornado was about 1/4 to 1/2 mile wide as it hit the speedway. Promoters Mark Banister and Gloria Olexia also had their home completely destroyed a few miles east of the trackas the tornado intensified to an EF5. Gloria's daughter was at the home when the two mile wide tornado hit, she was pulled from the wreckage very shaken, but unharmed. They finally found refuge late last night, but are reunited and safe.
The pictures posted of the devastation were taken as Greg Moore and other I44 Riverside patrons were the first to arrive at what was left of the track.
To everyone in the racing community - I44 Riverside will be back THIS SEASON. Cleanup will be a monumental effort, thank you to all who have volunteered to help - we will need it and more.
Details of the debris are visible in photos, but main grandstand is in a heap in the infield, score tower somehow still standing, but ruined. The pit grandstand is in a wooden heap in turn 3. Track access structures have all been leveled, but the concession stand survived. All of the track equipment was lost, the lighting, PA, electrical, even the flagstand all ruined. Unfortunately, all track equipment also lost as well.
I spoke with I44 Riverside Speedway Promoter Mark Banister late last night - and while everything was insured - we still have a cleanup on our hands unlike anything seen before in this region's racing. With the support of the best teams and fans in the nation, as well as the leading motorsports outlets in the country, we can and will restore the only track in Oklahoma City so that we can put some happiness in hearts that today are so heavy. Together we will bring back and celebrate I44 Riverside Speedway.
But today is a time to grieve and pray for the victims of this horrific tragedy - for those who lost everything and those that lost even more. There are so many broken and heavy hearts, so many who are suffering - PLEASE do anything you can to help. The race track can wait, please do what you can for the families who are suffering. The following link contains detailed information on how you can help, please contribute in any way you can.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/05/20/help-tornado-victims/2344493/