Help Marvin Blaney Recover After Devastating Car Explosion

On July 9th, 2025, what was meant to be another adrenaline-filled day at National Trail Raceway in Ohio turned into a nightmare for Marvin and April Blaney. Moments after Marvin completed his burnout and prepared to bring his beautiful ’63 Corvette back into position, a sudden explosion erupted from the car. April, just feet away, was forced to leap over the barricade wall as a wall of flames burst out in front of her. Just seconds later, a second explosion occurred.

April stood there helpless, watching her husband trapped inside a burning car, screaming for someone, anyone, to help him. In those critical moments, many individuals rushed in with handheld extinguishers, some in regular clothing, doing what they could. Unfortunately, what many are calling a delay in emergency response meant over three long, excruciating minutes passed before the fire was extinguished and an ambulance arrived on the scene. Pastor Joe and another racer were doing their best to comfort April and keep her from entering the track.

When Marvin was finally pulled from the flames, EMTs began to remove his race suit. One brave fellow racer's wife (possibly a burn unit nurse) jumped in with scissors to assist. Meanwhile, other race wives gathered vital information from April to prepare for the hospital. We're unsure who the angels were that got her to the hospital, but April has expressed her deep and lasting gratitude to everyone who helped in this tragedy.

Marvin suffered severe burns covering 20% of his body, including both legs from the knees down, his feet, upper arms, hands, and face. He is currently receiving around-the-clock care in an Ohio hospital. He remains on a feeding tube and IVs and is in constant pain. Marvin has woken up multiple times reliving the traumatic minutes of being trapped in that fire. The road ahead includes multiple skin graft surgeries, intensive rehabilitation, and unimaginable strength.

Despite the horror of those moments, Marvin is alive, and we truly believe he has angels watching over him.

April has not left Marvin’s side since the explosion. If you know April, you know how loyal and loving she is, but also how stubborn she can be. She insists she doesn’t need anything but prayers for Marvin, but we all know she could use more support than she’s willing to ask for.

That’s why I’m creating this GoFundMe on behalf of Marvin and April. Between medical bills, lost income, and the emotional toll of this tragedy, any financial support, no matter how big or small, will help lighten their load. Most importantly, please continue to send your thoughts and prayers for Marvin. And don’t forget to pray for April too; watching your husband burn alive is something no one should ever have to endure.

Marvin and April would never ask for help themselves, so I’m asking for them. If you can, please donate, share this page, say a prayer, and or keep them in your heart as Marvin begins the long and difficult journey toward healing.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.