Drag racing crash leaves man in coma

Andrew Blanton (right) and his daughter, Annika Blanton (Credit: GoFundMe)

Andrew Blanton (right) and his daughter, Annika Blanton (Credit: GoFundMe)

A Dacula man is in a coma after a drag racing accident at Atlanta Dragway on Friday night, family and friends said on Facebook.

Andrew Blanton crashed his Super Pro dragster during a pass at the Fast Friday Street Legal Racing event in Commerce, National Hot Rod Association spokesman Scott Smith said.

During the quarter-mile run, Blanton’s race car crashed and flipped multiple times, Mt. Pleasant Community Church Pastor Brent Lewis shared.

Blanton was flown to Athens Regional Medical Center.

Family members posted Monday that after the first 72 hours Blanton is still in critical condition but is holding strong.

Chip Elbers started a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses.

“For those that haven't had the pleasure of meeting him, Andrew is ‘one of those guys,’” Elbers said on the campaign page. “He's got a great sense of humor and will make you laugh regardless of how things are going. He is also a loving father and known by all as a great friend.”

Officials with Atlanta Dragway did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but the “legal street racing” event is scheduled again March 24.

“The NHRA and the entire racing community extend their thoughts and prayers to Blanton and his family,” Smith said.

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