Golinello Remains in Hospital After GT4 SprintX Accident

Photo: Gavin Baker/SRO

Rich Golinello has remained in the hospital with undisclosed injuries following a heavy accident in Saturday’s Pirelli GT4 America SprintX/East round at Virginia International Raceway.

Golinello’s No. 55 KohR Motorsports Ford Mustang GT4 was broadsided by an out-of-control No. 21 Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport of Michael Dinan in the opening laps of the 60-minute race.

He was initially transported to a local hospital before being transferred to a trauma-level hospital later in the evening.

A SRO Motorsports America statement confirmed Golinello remains in the hospital “under observation” with more details to follow.

Sportscar365 understands that Golinello’s injuries are non-life threatening.

Two other drivers that were transported to hospitals on Saturday have been treated and released.

Both Eric Palmer (No. 44 Kelly-Moss/Photon Motorsports Audi R8 LMS GT4) and Jeff Ricca (No. 78 GenRacer Hyundai Genesis Coupe) sustained accidents in their respective qualifying sessions in the morning.

Ricca, meanwhile, underwent the series’ concussion protocol.

All three cars involved in the seperate accidents have been withdrawn from Sunday’s races.

Dinan Sanctioned for Accident

Dinan, meanwhile, has received sanctions for his involvement in the accident with Golinello.

The Flying Lizard driver was deemed to have caused the collision, while also in violation with Article 29.16 of the sporting regulations, for driving a car that was potentially dangerous, in an unsafe manner, after a prior incident in Turn 1 on the same lap.

Dinan was given five Behavior Warning Points (BWP) as well as a formal reprimand.

He has also been handed a three-event suspension, which has been suspended provided he completes three events without receiving any further BWPs from the stewards.

Dinan did not compete in either GT4 Sprint or SprintX race on Sunday, owing to damages to both cars.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John