Racer found not guilty of assault after intentionally ramming rival’s car at Galesburg Speedway in May

KALAMAZOO, MI (WTVB) – A racer who crashed his car into a rival’s vehicle after a race at the Galesburg Speedway has been found not guilty of assault and property damage. Lance Gary throttled up and intentionally slammed into Matthew Elsey’s vehicle after a race May 28th where both drivers traded paint, vaulting one his front wheels through the driver’s side window. But it took a jury took less than 45 minutes to decide that act wasn’t enough to merit a felony conviction and acquitted Gary of all charges. Gary told jurors the wreck was accidental, and that he wasn’t trying to hurt Elsey. A track manager also testified, saying the cars are built fragile and the damage Elsey’s vehicle suffered looked worse than it actually was. Gary’s year-long ban at the track has been lifted. The Michigan Speedway Promoters’ Association is also anticipated to lift Gary’s statewide ban.