Macomb, Ill. -

The tragic death of a Figure 8 racer at the Macomb Speedway Saturday night is under investigation by the McDonough County Sheriff's Department amid concerns about safety procedures at the racetrack.

Kevin Lyles, 35, of Beardstown, died during a race when his car hit a tractor tire, overturned and exploded into flames before a crowd of horrified onlookers. He was one of 13 drivers competing at the time of the accident.

In a statement issued Monday, Speedway owner Robert Giles said "track personnel attempted to get Lyles from the vehicle but, because of the nature of the fire, were unable to do so. A number of fire extinguishers were exhausted on the fire, but were not effective in reducing the flames."

"My prayers and sympathy go out to Kevin's family and friends," Giles said in his statement. "I know that racing is inherently dangerous but nothing could ever prepare anyone for a tragedy like this."

Stephanie Wilcoxen of Noblesville, Ind., had taken her nine-year-old son Ethan to the racetrack Saturday night and is friends with another driver in the fatal race.

Wilcoxen was photographing the contest when the accident occurred.

"No fire truck was present, no water tank was present, no ambulance was present," she said in a statement Monday. Wilcoxen estimates it took 15 minutes for emergency vehicles to arrive.

The Macomb Fire Department, Blandinsville Police Department, Colchester Police Department, Macomb Police Department, Emmet-Chalmers Fire Department, Illinois State Police, McDonough District Hospital and the McDonough County Coroner's Office assisted deputies at the scene.

Sheriff Rick VanBrooker said Monday that he was not aware of any state laws or regulations concerning safety requirements at the Speedway.

"It was a private race with private individuals held on private property," he said Monday afternoon.

When asked about safety measures at the racetrack, Giles said "I can't comment on those issues." He did say "each track is different" when it comes to measures taken on site.

Giles also said he was unable to comment on questions about criteria used to inspect vehicles prior to races except to say that "all cars are inspected as they come into our facility."

Giles went on to say "our officials did everything they could" to try and save Lyles.

"My family bought the Speedway two years ago because we wanted a place for family entertainment -- a place to bring families together," said Giles.

"I never perceived an accident like this would ever, ever happen."