Racing car falls on man, family mourns

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - A racing aficionado died last weekend when the car he was working on fell on top of him.

Racing cars runs in Richard Ellis' family, which is why Ellis, his wife and his two sons have all been behind the wheel.

Richard was repairing his son's car's exhaust system for opening night at Langley Speedway, when the car fell on top of him.

Richard Jr. had left to run an errand at a local auto parts store before the accident.

"I yelled, 'Dad!' and he didn't answer me," Richard Jr. said. "I ran over and that's how I found him, underneath the car."

Richard Jr. must decide whether he wants to race the car in four weeks.

"I really think he would like it if I ran the car for him and got a win so that's what I'm shooting for," Richard Jr. said.