Brett
Thanks for the update. I was in the Group 2 race coming around IRP just as
Steve Garrett's Turner began to spin right in front of me. When the Turner
started to roll it was a most horrifying sight to see Steve's body tossed
like a rag doll. I saw his hands go up near his helmet from either the force
of the car rolling or some unconscious self defense mechanism to protect the
head. All I could think of was that I was hoping he had arm restraints on
and tight. Another reminder to all us open car racers to wear those arm
restraints and tighten them up! I know it was fast, but it seemed like slow
motion as the Turner rolled a second time, up on its nose before settling on
the track. Steve's son was up in the timing tower as he watched his Dad
being loaded on the spine board by the paramedics.
We all know the risks when we sign in, but that was a sickening sight up
close. Steve heard from the event chairman that I was concerned for how he
was doing and called this afternoon to let me know he had a broken wrist, but
otherwise feeling fine. He even joked about having a racquetball game
scheduled. Whew, that was good news. It would have been rough not knowing
what happened.
A strange way to end a weekend which started with me waiting on the false
grid watching them pull Phil Cull out of the tire wall.
Stay well racer buddies,
Rick Gurolnick
1960 356 Roadster
In a message dated 10/8/01 9:11:52 PM, 356drb@indy.net writes:
<< I just talked to Dick Naze on the phone and he is doing well, though he is
still in Methodist Hospital. He said that when he put in the clutch to
downshift prior to turn 1, he felt a whole lot of pain and his right foot
was twisted under the brake and clutch pedal. The bell housing shrapnel was
responsible for breaking three toes and hyperextending his foot.
With his foot under the pedals he was unable to brake so continued to roll
around the outside of the track exiting around turn 3 into the grass where
it stopped on its own. Irv, if you have the projectile that hit you in the
head, he'd be happy to autograph it.
He seemed in good spirits, except for not wanting to be in the hospital. He
hopes to go home tomorrow.
He updated me on the other two injured drivers. Steve Garrett, the Turner
driver, was admitted with a broken left wrist, mild concussion and back
injury. He was treated and released.
Phil Cull is still in the hospital and may be for some time. He has some
back and neck injuries in addition to the broken ankle. Dick said that he
definitely could use some cheering up, because he is flat on his back.
Phil's room number is 5078-W, phone 317 962-7539, visiting hours 11:30 -
8:30 EST.
Dick also said thanks for those who have offered well wishes.
Brett Johnson >>
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