Scott Bonnell Injury Update
Rich Vleck, ROCHESTER, N.Y. (July 9, 2010) - Scott Bonnell is on the
road to the recovery after a serious crash that occurred at Little
Valley Speedway Saturday Night.
Bonnell, a veteran sprint car driver from Girard, PA, is currently
in great spirits at an Erie, PA hospital, but is still in pain as
the healing process begins in his back.
X-rays have determined that Scott has fractures in his T3 and T4
Vertebrae. These are vertebrae are located in the upper thoracic
region just below the cervical (neck) region. For reference, Tim
McCreadie fractured his T3 Vertebra in his crash in 2009 Chili Bowl.
The positive thing is that this is the extent of his injuries. All
other tests did not indicate any additional trauma, including no
broken ribs or head issues.
Scott has been fitted for a full back brace that spans from the neck
to the waist. He will be in the brace for up to 12 weeks and will
be undergoing physical therapy during that time. His doctors are
optimistic that the vertebrae can heal on their own. He will have
x-rays taken once again in four weeks to evaluate the healing
process. If the bones can not heal on their own, surgery would be
required. Scott will be heading home from the hospital in the next
few days.
Scott wants to personally thank all of the ASCS Patriot Staff, EMT,
Little Valley Safety Crew and Mercy Flight for the terrific
treatment he received from the accident site all the way to the
hospital. Bonnell individually recognized Patriot Official Greg
Hixson for his immediate response and care in turn one.
The accident occurred in the first corner on the first lap of the
ASCS Patriot A-Main. After winning his heat, Scott was excited to
go for his first Patriot win of the year. Before reaching the first
turn, the track was blocked and Scott’s No. 3B slammed into the side
of Doug Bowman’s No. 57. Bonnell flipped four times, before landing
on the rear of his car and causing the injury.
In
the moments following the crash, Scott was in immense pain, but knew
he had to stay alert. He fought through the pain for the following
hour while he was carefully extracted from his car so that problems
did not escalate.
After the night of racing was over, the drivers, teams and officials
of the ASCS Patriots gathered for a prayer for Scott; even though he
had already arrived in Erie, he “felt the prayer” around that time
on Saturday Night.
In
speaking with Scott’s Wife, Patty, they both wanted to reiterate
their immense appreciation for all of the prayers and words of
encouragement they have received to date. Please keep Scott and the
entire Bonnell Family in your thoughts and prayers as he goes
forward in the healing process.
If
you would like to send cards of well wishes to the Bonnell family,
they may be sent to his home:
Scott Bonnell
4418 Persimmon Drive
Girard, PA 16417
Home