Driver Dead After Crash at NY Drift Event

Updated 9:28 pm July 5.

Jared Maguire, 29, died after his car made contact with a guardrail during an event June 27 at Adirondack International Speedway, sometimes referred to as Adirondack Motorsports Park, in Upstate New York. The event was organized by ADK Drift.

The event was publicly promoted through ADK Drift’s social media channels. Following initial publication of this article, a representative from Adirondack International Speedway LLC stated that it, not ADK Drift, had sole control and supervision of the event. According to the speedway, ADK Drift received no compensation, entered into no contractual relationships related to the event, and its involvement was limited to volunteer advice and assistance. The representative said they will not comment further until the ongoing investigation is complete.

New York State Police confirmed that a single-car incident resulted in Maguire’s death, but declined further comment as the investigation is ongoing. Josiah Abbadessa, an administrator of ADK Drift’s Facebook page, released a short statement announcing that the remainder of the event was being cancelled. 

Community members familiar with the venue have raised questions regarding the configuration of the section of track where the crash occurred. Several individuals have told Wrecked Magazine that previous crashes have occurred in that area and have questioned whether additional safety improvements should have been considered. Maguire’s car reportedly impacted stacked guardrails with its driver side door, and witnesses estimated his speed at around 80 mph. Wrecked has not independently verified that estimate.

Friends have taken to social media to commemorate him and a GoFundMe has been created to support his family back in Colorado. It can be found here.

Following publication of an earlier version of this article, Adirondack International Speedway LLC contacted Wrecked Magazine disputing portions of the reporting. Specifically, the speedway disputes that ADK Drift organized the event and further disputes suggestions that prior incidents or negligence contributed to this tragedy. In a written statement, the speedway said the incident is currently under investigation by the New York State Police, its insurer, and its own personnel, and stated that, to its knowledge, appropriate insurance, documentation, and safety procedures were in place.

This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.