May 09, 2025
Local News

Morton Grove man dies at Sycamore Speedway crash

Crash occurred Friday night during a 'Figure 8' race

By Daily Chronicle

The crowd is seen seated in the stands watching a racing event in an undated photo at the Sycamore Speeday. (Shaw Media)

MAPLE PARK – A Morton Grove man died after a crash during the Figure 8 race Friday that he was driving in at the Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park.

Tim Erjavac, 47, was pronounced dead at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb. An autopsy will be performed Monday morning, said DeKalb County Coroner Dennis Miller.

Kane County Sheriff’s spokesman Lt. Pat Gengler said in a news release that Erjavac was trapped in his vehicle after the crash. Erjavac was removed from his car with the help of the Maple Park and Countryside Fire Protection District and speedway staff before being transported to Kishwaukee, according to a news release posted on the Sycamore Speedway’s Facebook page:

“Tonight, July 13th, 2018, during the Figure 8 event of the Friday Night Program a collision between two race cars caused the need for medical support and transportation,” the release stated. “Due to the incident and the rain storm that was upon the Maple Park area, Sycamore Speedway Management canceled the two remaining events of the night.”

Gengler said it did not appear anyone else was injured in the incident.

“Due to this event occurring on private property during an organized event, deputies do not anticipate issuing any citations,” Gengler said in the news release.

Gengler referred all questions regarding the race to speedway officials.

Sycamore Speedway promoter Tiffany Olson said the speedway was saddened by Erjavac’s death.

“The Sycamore Speedway race family sends their condolences and ask that everyone keeps Mr. Erjavac’s family in their thoughts and prayers at this time.”

Olson said Erjavac was to be honored with a moment of silence before the speedway’s national anthem ceremonies on Saturday.

“Tim will never be forgotten. He always had a smile on his face, and we will never forget him,” Olson said.

Figure 8 racing, which is done on a track that is laid out like the number eight, which intersects with itself, will also remain on the speedway’s schedule, Olson said.