By Rich Vleck
Rochester, NY (July 7, 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