Driver Alan Burgess Succumbs to Burns from Daytona Fire

TOPEKA, Kan. (Aug. 28, 2009) – Alan C. Burgess, of Winter Garden, Fla., died Aug. 24 at Orlando Regional Hospital after sustaining burns from a fire at a Sports Car Club of America-sanctioned race at Daytona International Speedway on Aug. 9. He was 54.

Burgess was racing his GT-2 class Porsche 944 when his car caught fire Sunday, Aug. 9 on the 3.5-mile Daytona International Raceway road course. A veteran racer, he pulled his car into pit lane, where the fire was extinguished and Burgess was helped from the vehicle. He was immediately transported to the hospital with burns to his face and hands.

“We’re very saddened to hear of Alan Burgess’ passing,” SCCA President Jeff Dahnert said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

A racer off and on since the early 1980s, Burgess was the Director of Facilities for SYSCO Food Company, including 22 years of service. In earlier experiences, he retired from Eckard Drug Company after 18 years of employment. He is survived by his wife, Marlaney Burgess; his mother, Marjorie Burgess Porter and stepfather, William Porter; his sister, Bonnie Burgess Brown and her husband, John Brown; as well his nephew, Charles Allen Owen and wife, Katie Owen; and, two mature stepchildren, Jason and Christina, who he guided through early childhood.

Memorial Services are to be at St. Paul Presbyterian Church, 1415 Court Oak Ave., Gotha, Fla., in the Family Life Center, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 at 11 a.m.