Posted on 07/18/2004 10:54:47 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
Edited on 07/18/2004 11:16:00 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
SONOMA, Calif. (AP) -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. was treated for minor burns on his face and legs and hospitalized after an accident Sunday during practice for the American Le Mans Series Infineon Grand Prix of Sonoma.
Medical officials at Infineon Raceway described the injuries as ``moderate-sized burns of moderate intensity.'' Earnhardt was flown to the University of California-Davis Medical Center in Sacramento for precautionary reasons.
During a 30-minute practice, Earnhardt's Chevrolet Corvette C5-R spun and hit a barrier in turn eight of the road racing track, catching fire. Earnhardt quickly got out of the car on his own before being assisted by safety crews.
Earnhardt, who regularly competes in the Nextel Cup Series, was to have driven in Sunday's ALMS race with veteran road racing driver Boris Said. The team has withdrawn the car from the race.
Earnhardt Jr. burned in Grand Am practice crash
By Marty Smith, Turner Sports Interactive July 18, 2004
1:25 PM EDT (1725 GMT)
SONOMA, Calif. - Dale Earnhardt Jr. suffered moderate burns to his facial and lower extremities Sunday morning in an accident during American LeMans Series practice at Infineon Raceway.
Track spokesman John Cardinale said Earnhardt was transported to the University of California-Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, Infineon's designated hospital for burn treatment.
According to an American LeMans Series statement, Earnhardt was driving a Chevrolet Corvette C5-R in a 30-minute practice session when the accident occurred. The car spun and impacted a barrier in the Turn 8 section of the road-racing track, then caught fire. Earnhardt quickly exited the car on his own, and was then assisted by safety crews.
Earnhardt, who regularly competes in NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series, was scheduled to co-drive in today's Infineon Grand Prix of Sonoma with veteran road racing driver Boris Said. The team has withdrawn the car from the race.
"Update: Second degree burns over 69% of his body. Staying overnight at hospital."
If that's correct, I would call it a bit more serious than the orignally reported minor injuries. Very painful at the very least, if not permanently disfiguring or life threatening - although without immediate treatment a person could certainly die from shock from those kind of burns.
From what I saw and heard, the fuel cell itself didn't rupture, the filler pipe was torn off of it, and I guess maybe the cell was full up with fuel.
This could be bad for Jr. 69% of his body is burned and blistered perhaps...see below. He might not be able to drive with a suit on next weekend? This could be so painful for him that he's going to be on some serious pain meds...? Just think what a bad sunburn feels like and THAT's only first degree...yeeeowch!
Second Degree Burns
Second-degree burns affect both the outer-layer (epidermis) and the under lying layer of skin (dermis) causing redness, pain, swelling and blisters. These burns often affect sweat glands, and hair follicles.
If a deep second-degree burn is not properly treated, swelling and decreased blood flow in the tissue can result in the burn becoming a third-degree burn.
Symptoms
Redness
Swelling
Pain
Peeling skin
Shock (pale, clammy skin, weakness, bluish lips and finger nails)
White or charred skin
I wondered why they took him so far (University of California-Davis Medical Center in Sacramento)
Must be the trauma burn center for No California.
They did say most of the burns were to his lower extremities. May make it hard to push those pedals at NH nest week I would think.
I agree. Now if it had been Tony Stewart...well...
I didn't see it ..But Mr. Mo1 said it went up pretty fast
Also if I recall .. Jr. still wears an open face helmet
A few weeks ago I was listening to his radio as usual during the race and he mentioned to Eury Jr that his firesuit was tighter than normal and it was making him hotter than usual. They opined that it may have been dry cleaned too much and that new ones were on order.
He said, if they are dry cleaned too much, they lose the ability to be as fireproof as they should be.
Did you notice if he had on his Bud firesuit?
No he wears a full face helmet now. After his Dad's death and after his two concussions his Mother and Sister and TEAM convinced him to change from the full face helmet he used to wear to an even better one.
Plus, they changed the seat set up to give him more protection from side impact crashes as well.
I don't think he had on his regular racin' duds...his helmet looked to be bluish-greenish swirly colors...most likely the team colors for the Corvette Team he was with...
I remember many wanting him to change his helmet, I didn't know that he did ... Thanks for the info
69%??! Wow. I can't imagine he'd be able to suit up and race next week, especially as hot as it can get in a car. Even "moderate" burns have got to be pretty painful for quite a while. I'm very concerned about him but glad that so far the reports, other than that number itself, are sounding positive.
PS Latest version of story at Nascar.com says he'll be hospitalized "overnight for observation."
Yes that number came when CBS signed off from the televised portion of the race at Sonoma about 40 minutes ago.
It seems like a high number to me. But after seeing the replay of that fire it's very possible. I wish someone had a screen capture of the fire in the car so those who missed it could see just how big the flames were.
OIC what you mean! heh!
I love him. He has been my Idol since he was in Busch. And I loved Sr. too!!!
Do you "know" him?
http://www.dalejr.com/contact_us.html#
For anyone wishing to send prayers and wishes for his recovery.........send e-mail here.
Now I wonder why they would withdraw the car from the race. Just because it's crumpled up and burned.......
Also if I recall .. Jr. still wears an open face helmet
I turned it on right at 3pm for the pre-race show. They showed it right at the beginning. Jr was coming around the corner with the others and lost control. They blamed it on cold tires and dust on the track.
The Vette spun around and hit the barrier. Jr sat there a few seconds. The camera showed him close up inside the car. Looked like he was leisurely removing his belt. Then the whole car was engulfed in flames. The flames circled his helmet really quick. The camera pulled back, showed him hanging out of the window. The crews arrived and pulled him out.
The bright yellow Vette was pitch black. I doubt if they can even sell salvage from it after that.
But thank God Jr will be ok!!!
He had a full face shield on.
Thank you so much! That was nice of you to post this.
I sent a quick email for Prayers and Best Wishes for his speedy recovery.
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