 Tragedy struck the Brainerd International Raceway on Sunday afternoon as a 70-year-old man died while racing in a sports car club of America Race. The accident took place at turn three of the course shortly after 2 p.m. on Sunday. BIR medical crews responded immediately and a medical helicopter responded within eight minutes. Despite all resuscitation efforts, Mel Shaw of New Jersey was pronounced dead at the scene. According to officials at BIR, it is possible that Shaw suffered a medical emergency such as a heart attack or stroke during the race causing the crash. However, such conclusions can't be confirmed until an autopsy is performed. Based on the eyewitnesses I talked to being some corner staff and my head of medical it appears there may have been issues with Mel's health coming into the corner. He was not in control of the car. The car was accelerating. Similar would happen when you'd have a heart attack or even fall asleep. If you fall asleep, your hands come off the wheel, your foot does go to the floor and the car keeps going until it hits something and it appears that could be the case here. This is the first fatal crash at BIR in over 15 years. Shaw's body was transported to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office for a full autopsy. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.