Hey, I’m glad to be able to take a minute and give everyone an update on how I’m doing.  Since the last post, I was to see Dr. Trammell, neurosurgeon from Indianapolis, on September 4th to look at my x-rays and advise me on my condition.  Thanks to the Workmen family, owners of Kinard Trucking,  for the use of their airplane that flew me and my brother,  J. D.  out to Indy and back.  After about 4 1/2 hours, we met with the Doctor and his assistant, got some lunch and took an MRI scan.  The diagnosis was very simple – “do what I tell you and you’ll be as good as new in 3 months”.  The Doctor also indicated that my previous injuries would not be a danger of causing me any additional problems in the future.  Those of you that are familiar with Dr. Trammell  know that he has done extensive research and testing with Indy cars, Formula 1 and NASCAR, as a result, we spoke about safety. I asked the Doctor about head and neck restraints and how to avoid this type of injury in the future.  After our discussion, I promised myself that I will not get back in a race car without taking more safety precautions.  Since our visit, I have already been working on my seat configuration.  Beyond that I have been trying to keep my property management business going without “over doing it”.  This has been difficult.  When I’m taking it easy I really don’t have pain or discomfort outside of wearing the clam shell brace.  When I do more physical work then I should is when I pay for it later.  I have been able to get back to the track and support our team and Brent Marks.  It has be fun getting to know him and his family.  Brent is an intelligent and smart racer.  He has handled the pressure and “all eyes watching” very well.  In addition, some of the tracks that we have been to lately have been Brent’s first time to these tracks.  Therefore, we are all happy with his performance and progress.  It’s hard to remember that this is Brent’s rookie season.  Keep coming out and supporting Brent and the team’s efforts.

At this time I really need to speak from my heart – I’m not very good at writing, but I’m going to try to put my feelings into words.  The week after the accident, I was focused on getting myself together so I could get home and be around my family.  Once I got home and settled in about a week after the accident, reality set in.  How am I going to work, run my business, pay the bills, take care of Kelly and the kids????  As a result of my situation I got worried about how I was going to get through  the next couple of weeks/ months.  I know I wasn’t very pleasant around the house and the tension may have gotten the best of me at times.  And almost that fast, in comes the support of the racing community- like an angel from above that lifted the tension and worry off Kelly and I.  It was the most humbling experience I have ever experienced.  Between the racing clubs and foundations that I never knew supported injured drivers to cards, letters, and prayers.  In addition to that, extraordinary people with regular jobs and families of their own bringing food and send monetary contributions.  Every day I get cards and feel the prayers on my behalf.  What an unbelievably overwhelming experience!  There was also a collection taken at Lincoln Speedway that was a tremendous blessing, also.  I believe everything happens for a reason and I may not be totally clear as to why this accident happened, but I will be forever changed by the out pouring of support from the racing community.  >From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has showed your love, prayers, cards and support during this time, it truly has been overwhelming for Kelly and I.  See you at the races.