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Geoffrion medical update post Phoenix crash

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., February 26, 2003 - Scott Geoffrion's back hurts and he's wearing a special brace, but he is determined to drive his new Pro Stock Ford Escort ZX2 in the NHRA Mac Tools Gatornationals, March 14-16, at Gainesville, ...

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., February 26, 2003 - Scott Geoffrion's back hurts and he's wearing a special brace, but he is determined to drive his new Pro Stock Ford Escort ZX2 in the NHRA Mac Tools Gatornationals, March 14-16, at Gainesville, Fla.

Geoffrion was disoriented and had back pain when he climbed out of the wreckage of Hurley Blakeney's NitroFish Ford Mustang Sunday following a first-round accident at Firebird Raceway in Chandler, Ariz.  He was released from Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix Tuesday afternoon and returned to his home, under doctors' orders for bed rest.

"I'll do what it takes to get ready for the Gainesville race, including hiring a personal trainer," said Geoffrion.  "My back is quite sore.  I have to wear a custom-made brace for at least a week.  I think I'm more bruised up than anything."

Doctors took precautions because Geoffrion has had two previous back injuries, including one that required surgery and installation of two metal rods in 1983.  He broke a vertebra three years ago.

"I also had my bell rung pretty good when I hit the wall," added Geoffrion, 37.  "I was lucky I was driving the Mustang because it's a bigger car and was able to absorb more of the impact."

A broken left brake rotor triggered the accident just passed the finish line.  When Geoffrion hit the brakes, the Mustang moved toward the left guard wall.  He kept it from hitting that wall, but the car turned and shot toward the right guard wall, hitting it hard almost head on.  The impact then swung the left rear quarter-panel back so it smacked the barrier, too. 

"That was my first accident of any kind in racing," Geoffrion pointed out, no doubt hoping it's his last.

Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Geoffrion plans to test the team's new Ford Escort ZX2 at Bradenton, Fla., March 10-12.

-jls-

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