Autocross crew member claims Corvette driver knocked him down in parking lot

A member of an autocross crew has filed suit against the racetrack where he was working when he claims a driver struck him.

Jordan Polansky claims he was assisting as a corner captain at defendant Sports Car Club of America Inc. located in Madison when defendant Michael Kelly, who was driving a Chevrolet Corvette Z06, struck him, causing him to be thrown to the ground in the raceway's parking lot.

Because of the incident, Polansky sustained grievous and permanent injuries and incurred medical costs, according to the complaint filed July 23 in Madison County Circuit Court. In addition, he experienced pain and suffering, lost his enjoyment of a normal life and lost wages, the suit states.

He blames Kelly for negligently failing to reduce his speed to avoid colliding with Polansky, for failing to keep a proper lookout, for failing to drive in a safe manner, for failing to apply his brakes, for failing to obtain proper training and for failing to control his speed.

Sports Car Club failed to exhibit regard for the safety of those at the autocross race, failed to provide safety equipment to participants, failed to provide safety barriers, failed to warn participants of the potential serious dangers and failed to properly assess the skills of autocross drivers, the complaint says.

In his two-count complaint, Polansky is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

Timothy M. Shay of Shay and Associates in Springfield will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-778.