Post by dalejrfan on May 26, 2006 3:31:37 GMT -5
'Track-packer' accident costs fan his legs, leaves him in critical condition; second participant also hurt
CONCORD, N.C. – A man injured in prerace activities Wednesday at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway remained in critical condition Thursday night at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.
Chris James, 40, had both legs amputated below the knee by doctors at Carolinas Medical Center and remained at the hospital Thursday night, his wife, Lori, said through a track spokesman.
"He is alert and upbeat," Lori James said. "I want to thank the speedway's emergency personnel for everything they did. They saved his life."
James was driving a "track packer" car – used to pack the water into the dirt surface – before the beginning of the World of Outlaws and a Late Model race races.
Officials wet the dirt then the cars drive around upwards of 40 mph to pack the water into the dirt. James was one several drivers who volunteer to help prepare the track.
The incident took place about 6:30 p.m.
Apparently James' car malfunctioned and he got of his car to find out why. While doing so, another car hit his parked car, pushing it against him and crushing his legs against the wall.
James was one of two men injured in separate incidents Wednesday at the track. Another track packer driver was injured when he lost control of his car and slammed the wall.
The driver, whose name was not released, was treated and released at NorthEast Medical Center Wednesday night.
CONCORD, N.C. – A man injured in prerace activities Wednesday at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway remained in critical condition Thursday night at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.
Chris James, 40, had both legs amputated below the knee by doctors at Carolinas Medical Center and remained at the hospital Thursday night, his wife, Lori, said through a track spokesman.
"He is alert and upbeat," Lori James said. "I want to thank the speedway's emergency personnel for everything they did. They saved his life."
James was driving a "track packer" car – used to pack the water into the dirt surface – before the beginning of the World of Outlaws and a Late Model race races.
Officials wet the dirt then the cars drive around upwards of 40 mph to pack the water into the dirt. James was one several drivers who volunteer to help prepare the track.
The incident took place about 6:30 p.m.
Apparently James' car malfunctioned and he got of his car to find out why. While doing so, another car hit his parked car, pushing it against him and crushing his legs against the wall.
James was one of two men injured in separate incidents Wednesday at the track. Another track packer driver was injured when he lost control of his car and slammed the wall.
The driver, whose name was not released, was treated and released at NorthEast Medical Center Wednesday night.
