USAC SPRINT CHAMP BALLOU INJURED IN CALISTOGA CRASH
Defending USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car champion Robert Ballou was injured Saturday night, Sept. 3, after an accident during the USAC/CRA Sprint Car feature on opening night of the "Louie Vermiel Classic" at Calistoga (CA) Speedway.
The following updates were posted on Robert Ballou Motorsports' social media pages.
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Thank you everyone for your patience! But today we bring excellent news!!
Yesterday they brought in a new brace to keep the neck fractures stabilized better and wanted to complete more x-rays to see if anything moved. He was able to get out of bed, walk and sit up with pain but tolerable. We received update that the x-rays were stable and Robert will continue without surgery at this time!
Doctors rounded this AM said once again all was stable and the plan is to clear him to go home at this time as long as the day goes well and no hiccups come about. Obviously a long recovery period but we love good news! Again thank you for all the messages, thoughts and prayers! The racing family and community has been amazing as always!
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As many know Robert took a nasty ride tonight at Calistoga. As of now we know he has broken his neck with surgery likely needed but at this time we are awaiting the next steps. Thoughts and prayers are appreciated as we wait. We will try to keep all updated as we can.
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As stated earlier Robert does have a couple fractures in his neck which require surgery. All extremities are moving with no problems and he's still quite the chatter box early this morning. As of right now he has been transported to Stanford Hospital to meet with a surgeon to prepare for surgery. We will continue to keep everyone updated as we know more! Thank you to everyone for the thoughts and prayers as it is much appreciated by all.
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We are still in a holding pattern at this time, he continues to be stable though and they continue to keep the pain down! As far as the thoracic (back) fracture they feel it is stable and will heal on its own. So with that being said he was able to finally sit up, have something to eat and get the water he had begged for since the crash itself!
As far as surgery on his neck, they are pulling an excellent team together to provide the best care but this takes time and they want all surgeons to be able to fully assess and discuss next steps! This process will continue through the night and into tomorrow morning.
Again thank you to every single person for the messages, thoughts, prayers and everything! We appreciate it and will continue with updates as we know more!
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For anyone wondering, he's keeping the staff at Stanford entertained and laughing even through his pain! Can you expect anything less from Robert?
All of our thoughts and prayers at USAC are with Robert as we wish him a speedy recovery.
