Patrick Sheltra medical update 2009-02-08

Sunday Medical Update On Patrick Sheltra

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (February 8, 2009) - - ARCA RE/MAX Series driver Patrick Sheltra remains hospitalized at a local Daytona Beach, Florida hospital Sunday evening following an incident in Saturday's Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway.

The 22-year old driver underwent several tests Saturday night and into the day Sunday with most of the results returning negative. Nevertheless, Sheltra, the Indiantown, Florida native is suffering from a compression fracture in his back from injuries sustained in the first ARCA race of the season. At this time, no surgical procedures are planned for Sheltra, who finished 14th in Saturday's race.

The family and the Whitesville, Kentucky-based Sheltra Motorsports team has expressed extreme gratitude and appreciation of Sheltra's well-being and recovery. The outpouring support of emails, phone calls, prayers, text messages and voicemails have been overwhelming.

Additionally, the family is expressing their sincere thanks to the ARCA officials (Ron Drager, Mark Gundrum, Joe Wells and Marc Williams), Bean family, Butler family, Gerhart family, Hollenbeck family, ISC officials, Jones family, Kimmel family, Krick Family, McCrary family and the other fans and supporters who stopped by the hospital to check on the third year ARCA driver.

Sheltra Motorsports will issue another statement Monday following consulting with hospital doctors and officials.

Plans for Sheltra to compete on the dirt at Volusia County Speedway have been canceled. The Sheltra Motorsports team however will continue to field an entry for newcomer Shannon Babb this week.

Finally, the Sheltra Motorsports family would like to wish Larry Hollenbeck, another driver involved in the lap 74 incident a speedy recovery.

-credit: PatrickSheltra.com.