NASCAR inspector Brienne Davis killed in car crash

Brienne Davis, one of the few full-time female inspectors employed by NASCAR on race weekends, was killed Tuesday in a one-vehicle accident during rush hour on northbound Interstate 77 near Huntersville, according to police and NASCAR officials.

A truck driven by Davis flipped and came to rest in the median just north of the Gilead Road exit, police said.

Davis, 28, was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center, where she died of her injuries, officials said.

In a statement late Tuesday, NASCAR said, "We are deeply saddened at the loss. … She was a key member of our team of inspectors and will be missed by the NASCAR community. "

In 2002 at age 22, the Louisiana native began work at Dale Earnhardt Inc. as an engine builder. In 2004, she joined NASCAR as one of its full-time inspectors.

Davis was scheduled to work this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, Ariz.

Funeral plans are incomplete. Charlotte Observer