Raceway driver, 20, killed in Calistoga

A 20-year-old race car driver was killed Saturday when he crashed during a race at the Calistoga Speedway.

Tyler Wolf of Redding died of his injuries at St. Helena Hospital, Napa County officials said.

Wolf was racing in the main event held at the half-mile dirt track at the Napa County Fairgrounds on Grant Street when he missed a turn and hit a wall at high speed, Calistoga Fire Chief Steve Campbell said.

Drivers usually travel at between 110 and 150 mph during the event, according to Campbell.

"It appeared he drove straight into the wall in the corner," Campbell said.

Despite a helmet and other protective gear, Wolf sustained major head injuries during the crash, Campbell said.

Calistoga Speedway officials could not immediately be reached Sunday.

Wolf won the sprint-car championship in 2011 at Chico's Silver Dollar Speedway. Several sprint car news websites state that Wolf, then 19, was the youngest driver to take the honor.

On Saturday, Wolf was participating in an all-day commemorative race at the Calistoga Raceway honoring the track's 75 years.

Campbell said he believed the fatality was the first at Calistoga Raceway since the 1980s.

You can reach Staff Writer Julie Johnson at 521-5220, julie.johnson@pressdemocrat.com or on Twitter @jjpressdem.