‘Top Gear America’ Official Test Track SpeedVegas Denies Lawsuit Allegations; Court Hearing On April 6

Mar 27, 2017 04:20 AM EDT | Andrew Davis

SpeedVegas, named as the official film studio and test track for the new "Top Gear America," is now facing a lawsuit demanding it to be closed until the track is safer. However, the track's top exec has denied any of the allegations, although a hearing has been set for April 6 to consider an emergency motion to close the track.

Following the tragic crash claiming two lives at SpeedVegas, the lawsuit was filed by Francisco Durban who worked at the said track since March 2016 before being "effectively terminated." The lawsuit, filed at the Clark County District Court, called for an order to close the track south of Las Vegas until multiple safety protocols, such as a redesign of the track, are instituted, reports Jalopnik.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, named in the lawsuit are SpeedVegas LLC and Scott Gragson, the former being the owner and operator of the track, while the latter being the owner of the track land. Also, the suit alleges that the track "is inherently, excessively and unnecessarily dangerous in design and operation."

In fact, the lawsuit further claimed that the Lamborghini Aventador involved in the accident that claimed two people had break problems and was not suited to be used on the track, one reason being that it was a roadster with a convertible top that didn't have a roll bar or cage.

However, SpeedVegas has denied any of the allegations made in the lawsuit. SpeedVegas CEO Aaron Fessler said in an email, "SpeedVegas categorically denies the allegations made in the complaint."

He further stated that they have engaged in a "panel of independent international track experts with more than 70 years of combined experience to assess our policies, procedures, design and safety systems. After extensive on-site inspections, each concluded that there is nothing inherently unsafe in either the design or operating procedures at SpeedVegas." He closed his email noting that they will defend the company from "unfounded allegations" in the courtroom.

Speaking of courtrooms, District Court Judge Joe Hardy will hear the motion filed on behalf of Francisco Durban on April 6 in Clark County District Court. This is to consider an emergency motion to close the track.

Following the tragic crash, SpeedVegas voluntarily closed. And its driving instructors, inclusive of Durban, were required to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, to do a road test on the track, and sign the acknowledgment form prior to returning to work. Check out the video below regarding the tragic crash at the official film studio and test track of 'Top Gear America.'

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