These cars generally won't shut off in drive. The trans control module for an 8 speed is internal to the trans. It looks like the trans was the area the fire started. If the TCM was damaged it may have inhibited the engine from being shut off. Either way the track crews first concern should be for participants safety, then to stop the fire. There should never be emotions that over come these duties. Whether the driver was in the wrong or not. I'm not defending the driver either. Hell if that was my car I would've grabbed the extinguisher myself.
Doug