safety
17-year-old racer dies in Tenn. after accident at Duck River Raceway Park
By Holly Lehren at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
A Middle Tennessee community is mourning the loss of 17-year-old racer Bentlee Potts after a crash Saturday night at Duck River Raceway Park.In a social media post, Potts' mother, Ashlee Howell, said her son was racing when "a tragic accident occurred.""His car flipped, and our sweet boy did not ...
Key takeaway In a social media post, Potts' mother, Ashlee Howell, said her son was racing when "a tragic accident occurred.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The tragic loss of 17-year-old Bentlee Potts at Duck River Raceway Park resonates deeply within the Middle Tennessee community, where racing is a beloved pastime and many young people grow up with a passion for the sport. As a student at Santa Fe School, Potts was not only an avid racer but also an integral part of his school community, sharing his enthusiasm for NASCAR with his peers during morning announcements. The outpouring of support from the school and the racing community, including a GoFundMe campaign to support Potts' family, demonstrates the strong bonds that exist among local residents. The incident also underscores the risks inherent in racing, a reality that is all too familiar in a region where motorsports are a significant part of the cultural fabric. As the community comes together to mourn Potts' passing, it will be important to consider the safety protocols in place at local racing venues like Duck River Raceway Park.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Middle Tennessee community is mourning the loss of 17-year-old racer Bentlee Potts after a crash Saturday night at Duck River Raceway Park.In a social media post, Potts' mother, Ashlee Howell, said her son was racing when "a tragic accident occurred.""His car flipped, and our sweet boy did not ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Holly Lehren at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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