Another racer hurt/this one out West

[DannyB]

Maybe our buddy Gerald can fill us in?

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/11/01/1401058/boise-racer-remains-in-critical.html

http://www.ofracing.com/

[Indy500fanatic]

Very sorry to read this, best wishes go out to those involved.
.. that must have been one nasty hit..

[Gerald Laurie]

I wasn't at the Vegas show this year. However, I have talked to several who were. Jeff was about third fastest in the early practices. During the Saturday afternoon practice, the right front spindle broke and the wheel folded under the right side of the frame and launched the car into the turn one fence at close to 140 MPH (Supermods are very fast at the Bullring). The car went straight into the concrete and then snapped around into the catch fence. Jeff had to be cut from the car. He was unconcious and non-responsive when taken from the car. He suffered a closed head injury, a broken leg, a broken arm, several damaged vertabrae in the neck, several broken ribs, both eardrums punctured, a broken jaw, cheekbone and eye socket. "As they transported him, the prognosis was not very good. However, Jeff has improved as time goes on. He has had several surgeries to relieve swelling and remove clots from his brain, They have stabilized his neck with no apparent permanent spinal problems and they are still working to set the leg which had multiple fractures and his arm.

This all happened with some of the best safety equipment out there. Jeff always replaces his belts, he uses a Hans device, the best helmets, etc. His car is Silsby Chassis which is one of the strongest and most stable of the Supermod chasses out there. Jeff is a very accomplished open wheel driver with multiple wins against the best in the West. This was just a freak racing accident with a very serious result.

To check on Jeff's progress, you can check out his website where Drew Palmer, a Russell Crew Member is posting updates several times a day with not only Jeff's condition, but comments from his family as well. Go to www.ofracing.com. for word on Jeff Russell.

[KevMcNJ]

Anything new on Travis Rilat?

[DannyB]

Skimming through my "employer's" message board led me to this:



rilatracerchaser
November 01, 2010 at 09:03:53 PM
Joined: 07/30/2010
Posts: 59
Reply
I just talked to Travis---he said he is WONDERFUL! Today he picked up his baby girl from the daycare all by himself--he drove, carried her to the car and loaded her in her car seat! Oh, the little things of normal life that give one such joy! He said that the burns around his waist are all closed and healing and his legs on doing much better, won't be long till those wounds are also closed! And he was happy to announce that movement in his arms is so much better that he actually touched his right thumb on top of his head! Now he can scratch his own head in wonder over the miracles of life and healing!! Awesome news and thanks to all of you for your support and prayers. Praise God for healing and the love of people like you! Thank you, thank you. Travis is doing well, and I want you all to know that you have been instrumental in his speedy recovery! I am truly grateful for all your support.

[KevMcNJ]

Very good update.



Thanx

[Liz]

Thoughts & prayers for Jeff Russell & his family...

That is great news about Travis Rilat...and it appears Shane will be going back to NC before long...