Belle Clair Speedway sued over cattle car injury

Martin Lautenschlaeger has filed suit against Belle Clair Speedway, alleging he was injured after an automobile collided with a cattle car in which Lautenschlaeger was riding.

Lautenschlaeger was standing in a cattle car on Aug. 7, 2002, when a speedway contestant's vehicle, which did not have brakes, collided with the cattle car, according to the complaint filed Sept. 24 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Lautenschlaeger, who was 12 at the time of the accident, claims he was injured and suffered a permanent disability as a result of the accident.

He incurred medical costs and lost wages, the suit states.

He claims the speedway was negligent because it failed to prohibit the contestant from leaving the speedway with inoperable brakes, permitted the contestant to drive with inoperable brakes and failed to clear a path for the contestant after leaving the race.

Lautenschlaeger is seeking a judgment in excess of $50,000, plus costs of the suit.

Brad L. Badgley of Belleville will be representing him.