Broken steering wheel not enough in lawsuit by NASCAR fan

Posted January 13, 2015 10:00 pm

The Associated Press

BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan appeals court has ruled in favor of a racing company in a dispute involving a Spanish tourist, a bad steering wheel and a car crash at Michigan International Speedway.

Jose Gonzalez' car crashed into a wall in 2012 when the steering wheel came apart. He was participating in the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience, which gives NASCAR fans a chance to drive around the track in Brooklyn in southern Michigan.

The appeals court says the bad steering wheel doesn't add up to gross negligence or willful misconduct under Michigan law.

The court says the wheel was checked before Gonzalez hit the gas. He also signed a liability waiver.

The 3-0 opinion released Wednesday doesn't describe Gonzalez' injuries. A phone message and email seeking comment were left with his attorney.

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