Series Richmond spotlight - Cameron Dodson

CAMERON DODSON RETURNS FOR RICHMOND'S "JAMES RIVER GROUNDS 100" JUNE 27

Cameron Dodson of Greenfield, Ind., USAC's 2007 K & N Silver Crown Series "Rookie of the Year", returns to series competition this weekend in the "James River Grounds 100" at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway. He finished second to Chet Fillip is last year's Richmond 100-lapper. Saturday's race gets the green flag at 6:15 pm.

Critically injured in a November, 2007 crash on a public Indiana highway, Dodson has made a remarkable recovery and looks forward to his first race since that life-changing accident.

Dodson, who competed in a car fielded by NASCAR Sprint Cup star Carl Edwards, himself a graduate of the USAC Silver Crown series, will make his return as part of a two-car team backed by Edwards. Dodson's teammate will be veteran USAC racer Josh Wise of Riverside, Calif.

The now-20-year-old Dodson suffered injuries which could have ended his racing career. A brain injury, collapsed lungs, broken ribs and sternum, vertebrae fractures and injuries to his spleen, liver and kidneys resulted in a hospital stay of over a month but doctors were absolutely amazed when he finally regained consciousness and proclaimed "I've got to get out of here. I'll do anything you say." He was comatose for nearly a month while family and friends prayed for his recovery. Surprisingly, he awoke just before Christmas and just a couple of short weeks later he was home undergoing re-hab.

Dodson's career was skyrocketing when it was suddenly interrupted. His rookie Silver Crown season produced a victory at Phoenix International Raceway, three thirds, two fourths and a pole start at New Hampshire International Speedway. In 2008 he won again at Iowa Speedway and added seconds at Phoenix and also at Richmond.

"I guess God was watching over me," Cameron admits. "I'm really pumped about this weekend. I tested at Memphis Motorsports Park last week and ran consistent times. My chief mechanic Chris Santucci does a fantastic job and has been a great help in my return." Teammate Wise also tested at Memphis and feels that the team has a good chance at winning at Richmond.

"Carl (Edwards) called me when I got out of the hospital and I think he's just as pumped as I am about this weekend. I'm driving the same car I ran last year and hope this time I can put it in victory lane."

-credit: --USAC--