On the evening of October 18, 2025, deputies with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and emergency medical personnel responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash at the Jackson Dragway, located at 79 Ranger Road in Jackson, Tennessee.
Authorities confirmed that the incident occurred on the racetrack during an active racing event. Despite immediate response efforts from first responders and on-site medical teams, the driver tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
Officials stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and no additional information will be released until further details are available.
JACKSON, TN — The motorsports community is reeling after the tragic death of Justin Owen, who was killed in a fatal crash at Jackson Dragway earlier today. The devastating accident has left fans, friends, and family heartbroken, as tributes pour in for a racer remembered not only for his incredible talent behind the wheel but also for his kindness, determination, and love for the sport.
According to preliminary reports, the crash occurred during a racing event at Jackson Dragway in Jackson, Tennessee, when Owen’s car reportedly lost control during a high-speed run and struck a retaining barrier. Emergency responders rushed to the scene within moments, but despite their efforts, Justin Owen was pronounced dead at the track due to the severity of his injuries.
Track officials immediately suspended the remainder of the event, and an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident. Early indications suggest that mechanical failure or loss of traction may have played a role, but authorities have not yet released official findings.
Justin Owen, a native of Indiana, was a respected figure in the dirt and sprint car racing circuits, known for his fearlessness, passion, and sportsmanship. Throughout his career, he earned admiration from fellow drivers and fans alike for his hard work and dedication to the sport he loved from childhood. Racing wasn’t just a hobby for Owen — it was his life’s passion, a dream he chased with everything he had.
Friends describe Justin as “a true racer’s racer” — humble, grounded, and always willing to lend a hand to others in the pits. “He had that spark,” one fellow racer said. “Every time he got behind the wheel, you could see the joy on his face. He raced because he loved it, plain and simple. The track was his home.”
Beyond racing, Justin was known for his big heart, infectious smile, and unwavering loyalty to his family and friends. Many remember how he would spend hours mentoring younger drivers, sharing not just technical knowledge, but lessons about perseverance and humility.
The Jackson Dragway community, along with fans across Tennessee and the Midwest, have taken to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to Justin’s memory. Messages of condolence have flooded racing forums and online groups, with many referring to him as a “brother in racing” and a “genuine soul who left us far too soon.”
A close family friend shared, “Justin wasn’t just a racer — he was a role model. He lived life to the fullest and did what he loved until his last moment. That’s how we’ll remember him.”
Plans for a memorial service are currently underway, with organizers expected to hold a candlelight vigil at Jackson Dragway in the coming days. Racers and fans are being invited to gather, share stories, and honor the legacy of a man who made such a profound impact on everyone he met.
As the investigation continues, the racing world is left reflecting on the risks and realities of the sport. Yet amid the grief, there is also an overwhelming sense of gratitude — gratitude for Justin’s life, his love for the track, and the way he inspired everyone who shared his passion.
Justin Owen’s name will forever be etched in the hearts of those who loved and raced alongside him. His legacy lives on — not just in the trophies he earned, but in the friendships he built, the lives he touched, and the example he set for every driver who follows in his tire tracks.