Eddie Hill Recovers at Home

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (Nov. 2) – After his second devastating engine explosion in two weeks, NHRA Top Fuel driver, Eddie Hill is recovering at home in Wichita Falls, Texas. Hill’s injuries have been diagnosed as a broken vertebra in the lumbar one region, the front part of his spine, an injury commonly known as a broken back. There may also be possible damage to the back of his spine; the Hills are currently awaiting results from a MRI to determine that fact.

Hill was injured during the third round of qualifying last Saturday at the Matco Tools Supernationals in Houston. After running what appeared to be a sub 4.60-second pass at 299 mph, the engine of his Pennzoil Top Fuel Dragster exploded as he was entering the elapsed time lights at the end of the track. The explosion split the engine block in half and sent debris flying all over the track. Hill had to be cut out of the car and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and tests.

The car destroyed in Houston was Hill’s back-up car, one that he was running due to his primary car being destroyed the week before in Dallas after a similar explosion. Hill, who is currently 11th in championship points in the NHRA’s premier class, is evaluating the situation trying to determine if the team can rebuild the car before the next event in Pomona, Calif., and if he will actually be able to drive his Pennzoil Top Fueler.

“Eddie is resting comfortably”, said Ercie Hill, “and he is able to walk short distances. Now, we are just trying to evaluate the situation and see if we will be able to run Pomona. We have had tons of calls offering us help and I think over half of the Top Fuel field has called offering their back-up cars. Both Eddie and I are elated with the response, it’s nice to know that so many people care and are there when you need them.”

At this time, Hill has not been given a doctor’s clearance to race. His prognosis is good and the injuries will heal with six to eight weeks of rest. The Pomona event is scheduled for November 11-14.