Raceway driver arrested for assault with deadly weapon

Racer reportedly rams driver, causes head-on collision on Ephrata racetrack

EPHRATA — The Grant County Sheriff's Office reported an out-of-control driver at Ephrata Raceway Park chased another driver around the track and drove in the wrong direction before the two vehicles eventually collided head-on.

The incident occurred Saturday night on the quarter-mile track at about 11:14 p.m. and both drivers were taken to Columbia Basin Hospital.

According to an ERP press release, the Ephrata Pioneer Muffler Hornets main event was red-flagged and canceled after completing only four laps. The on-track incident remains under investigation by local law enforcement.

The GCSO stated that Blake F. Lannoye, 20, of Ephrata, allegedly rammed another driver's vehicle from behind while the cars drove the raceway under a red flag. He was apparently upset about something that had happened to another driver.

Lannoye, however, said he was upset that the window of his race vehicle, along with his pickup truck window, were smashed out before the night's final race started.

Lannoye eventually ended up chasing Stuart J. Danby, 19, also of Ephrata, around the track before the two drivers eventually collided head-on, the GCSO stated.

Danby was taken to the hospital with possible head trauma, but was later released.

Lannoye was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries and was also later released. Upon Lannoye's release from the hospital, he was booked into Grant County Jail on charges of first-degree assault, the GCSO stated.

Lannoye said that he posted bail of $50,000, and is currently charged with second degree assault with a deadly weapon.

He said he doesn't remember exactly what happened because he "blacked-out," but says a video recording of the tape was made. He said he has not seen the recording, but said he is not guilty.