BeBevCo. CEO Survives Scary Auto Racing Accident At Bowman-Gray Season Opener

Brian Weber,  CEO of BeBevCo., who developed the KOMA Unwind relaxation drink and other energy products, walked away from a wild incident at Bowman-Gray (N.C.) Stadium during Saturday night’s season-opener in the Modified Division.

Weber had crafted his KOMA Unwind relaxation drink automobile through the field early into the 200-lap event, but as he exited the corner on lap 38, his racecar broke loose when the right rear tire clipped the outside guardrail, which then immediately turned the machine hard into the wall. The contact was so forceful that it launched Weber’s car into the air, sailing several hundred feet before coming to rest in between the guardrails and the concrete wall, where race fans stood in disbelief.

Nearly three minutes after the wreck, Weber climbed from his racecar, waved to the crowd and made the mandatory trip to visit the infield medical staff. He went through a medical examination and subsequently released.

“We had a good night going,” said Weber, a 30-year racing veteran. “That was, by far, the scariest racing crash of my career. I’ve never experienced anything like that before in my career, even in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series or NASCAR Nationwide Series.”

“I don’t really know what happened,” offered Weber when asked about the incident. “I came off the corner, the car snapped and the tire hit the guardrail and the rest was history. It’s a shame, because we were having a good night with the KOMA Unwind car. Thankfully, I’m just glad that none of the fans or anyone on the flag stand was injured.”

The Long Island, New York native, who resides in Mooresville, North Carolina, had several family and friends in attendance for the event on Saturday night including NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Jennifer Jo Cobb, whom KOMA Unwind has sponsored this season. While there was a lot of obvious emotion drawing from pit lane and the grandstands, Weber praised the safety of his racecar and restraints.

“I took my time getting out of the car,” he added. “It was a hell of a ride. After the car came to a rest, I knew I was okay, but I just wanted to make sure I could collect my thoughts. This accident is a real testament to the series’ specifications of these cars and my safety devices, including my seat and my head and neck restraint. Without that, I may have not been so fortunate to walk away.”

It was quite clear, however, that many people were mystified about Weber’s calm demeanor following the incident. The veteran racer had an easy answer for his appearance.

“I had some KOMA Unwind before I climbed into the car,” he sounded with a smile. “It really works. Even in the most extreme situations. I think I’ll have an extra can though to ease the soreness and get a goodnight’s rest. It was a night I won’t soon forget!”

Tonight, Weber will be featured on RacersReunion.com from 6:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. (Eastern) to recount his Bowman-Gray experience.

 

BeBevCo PR