Kramer Williamson Dies From Injuries
Kramer Williamson, seen here at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa., on Friday, died Sunday afternoon from injuries sustained in a crash Saturday night at Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, Pa. (Julia Johnson Photo)
ABBOTTSTOWN, Pa. — Sprint car racing legend Kramer Williamson has died as a result of serious injuries sustained in a sprint car racing accident Saturday night at the Lincoln Speedway.
During the running of the first URC 360 sprint car heat race, Williamson took a series of flips in turn two. Williamson was air lifted to the trauma center of the York Hospital where he underwent surgery. Williamson was listed in critical condition through the night and died at approximately 5:30 p.m. Sunday evening.
Williamson was a well decorated sprint car driver who pretty much did it all. Even more of a credit to Kramer, he did it his way. Williamson was a popular driver among the fans and his competitors as well, and will be remembered driving his “Pink Panther” No. 73 sprint car. On the sprint car circuit, he was just known as Kramer.
His long list of accomplishments include numerous 410 sprint car wins, many Central Pennsylvania sprint car championships including the historic Williams Grove Speedway. Williamson was a winner of the prestigious Williams Grove National Open and a World of Outlaws feature winner. In 2008, Williamson, who started his racing career in 1968, was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and the United Racing Co. Hall of Fame.
In recent years Williamson competed with the United Racing Co. 360 sprint series, where he owns 67 career wins and three URC championships. His last URC win came at Delaware Int’l Speedway in Delmar, Del., on April 30, 2011.
He is survived by his wife Sharon, son Kurt, daughter Felecia, and brother George.
“URC lost the most popular driver and accomplished driver in our storied history, “ said John Zimmerman, who co-owns the United Racing Co. with his wife Cher and special events promoter Bob Miller. “We are so saddened by the loss of an unforgettable member of our URC Family.”
“Kramer was the sweetest and funniest driver I have ever known in racing,” said Cher Zimmerman. “He made racing a family affair and simply adored his wife and children. I know the national racing community will join us in remembering Kramer and sending prayers to his family at this very difficult moment.”
“Kramer had such a love for this sport that included his competitors and race fans. He was an intense driver that always found a win to bring some humor into any situation, it was just who Kramer was,” said racing promoter Bob Miller. “Kramer will be sadly missed and our sympathy goes out to his family, our thoughts are prayers are with you.”
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