GENEVA, N.Y. -- The racing community is helping out one of their own after his car burst into flames.
Michael Humphrey, 69, of Oswego was severely burned after the race car he was driving exploded at the Paradise Speedway in Geneva last week.
But some brave bystanders quickly pulled him from the vehicle and he was taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Hospital.
He underwent several surgeries this week.
On Saturday, Paradise Speedway held a fundraiser to help support Humphrey and his family as he recovers.
“One thing that I think is really cool about the racing community is how they all come together when one of their brothers or sisters is in need,” said Dick Stark of Lansing. “They’re some of the most generous people that you’ll ever be around.”
Attendees say they were encouraged by the strong showing.
“The fact that this is happening is kind of giving you a little faith in humanity,” said Bill Glitch of Gorham. “I’m generally a half empty glass kind of guy. This makes me feel more like a half full kind of guy. So it’s great. The people have been great. People have been handing me money all night long to give to him, and we’ve had a lot of stuff going on. So it’s been really, really cool.”
Organizers say they hope the funds will help Humphrey through what's expected to be a long recovery process.