WSP: Racing driver causes crash on state Highway 500

A Vancouver man racing in his car on state Highway 500 crashed into a tractor this morning, the Washington State Patrol said.

Patrick Young, 21, was racing west in a 1992 Acura Integra with two other vehicles. While attempting to pass a 2007 Kenworth tractor, the Integra spun out of control and struck the tractor, according to the State Patrol. The crash was reported at 11:38 a.m. near Northeast Thurston Way.

Young was not injured. His passenger, Leeza Reisch, 20, of Vancouver was transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and later discharged from the hospital.

The driver of the tractor, Thomas Panzella, 27, was injured, but denied transport to a hospital.

One of the vehicles that Young was allegedly racing with continued driving down the highway after the crash, said Trooper Will Finn. The second vehicle stopped in the parking lot of the former TGI Fridays, but left before troopers could talk with the driver, Finn said.

The State Patrol will seek charges against Young for reckless driving and reckless endangerment.