Aus Utes: Jeremy Gray medical update

All "Shades of Gray" for this V8 Ute Rockstar

V8 Ute driver, Jeremy "Shades of" Gray has recently been released from hospital after breaking his back however is hoping to make it behind the wheel for round 2 of the 2010 Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series -- protected by Armor All.

As an ex- motocross rider, Gray was trying out a brand new motocross bike on a friend's property and while riding at about 90km/ph hit two rocks that were protruding out of the grass, which caused him to fly into a tree stump.

Gray broke the L5 vertebrae and cracked a few ribs on the way. Doctors were unable to pin his vertebrae back together and have to rely on Gray to build up his core strength to fix the problem.

"I just visited a dietician and have been working really hard on my rehab. They told me I'd be in hospital for 6 weeks and I'm home now after 2 so the healing seems to be going well. I can't wait to get back in the car," explained Gray.

Gray got into the V8 Ute Series after racing Motocross/Supercross at a National level for 15 years. He started racing in the Combined Touring Car Series in 2007 and from there went on to race a Ford Falcon FG F6 in the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour with former touring car champion Andrew Miedecke. Discussions continued for Jeremy to race Miedecke's Ford V8 Ute at the Clipsal 500.

Jeremy jumped at the chance and raced with Miedecke's son, former V8 Ute competitor and now NASCAR development driver, George.

After taking out the "Ten Years of Legends" race together, Gray is running fourth in the Series after round 1 and with new partner Rockstar Energy drink on board, he wants nothing more than to be back in the car.

"The managing director of Rockstar broke his back last year so he understood when I told him. I'm doing everything I can to be back in the car for Winton but if I'm not I will have someone in there to drive the Rockstar Ford for me," said Gray.

With only two weeks (14 -- 16 May) until round 2 at Winton Raceway the New South Welshman will be gunning for his rehabilitation to work quickly.

-source: aus v8 ute racing