Steve Park out indefinitely with head injury

RICHMOND (Sept. 7, 2001) -- Under the advise of doctors, Winston Cup driver Steve Park will remain out of competition indefinitely as he heals from the moderate concussion he suffered during the Busch Series race in Darlington, S.C., on Sept. 1.

Dr. Jerry Petty, a neurological specialist at Carolinas Medical Center, stated on Friday afternoon that Park would be unable to drive for "conservatively four to six weeks." Under the supervision of Dr. Petty, Park received further consultation and a second MRI this week revealed a bruising of the brain which needs time to heal. Dr. Petty confirmed Park will make a full recovery.

Kenny Wallace, who will race in the #1 Pennzoil Chevrolet this weekend in Richmond, will remain behind the wheel until Park returns. Wallace also drove the Monte Carlo during the Darlington event where he moved from 43rd to 12th before overheating forced him behind the wall.

"The doctors have Steve's best interest in mind and we completely support their decision," said Ty Norris, executive vice president of motorsports at DEI. "Our primary focus is getting Steve better and we want him to be healed before getting back in the car. Steve wants to race as soon as possible but knows it's better for him to be patient."

Wallace was originally scheduled to race the Loudon Winston Cup event for George deBidart but has been released from those duties.

"We really need to thank George for allowing Kenny to race for us," said Norris. "We are going to work with George when he decides to put Kenny in a Winston Cup race later in the season."

-Pennzoil Racing