Tatnell hopes to return in September

Outlaws' Tatnell Hopes to Return in September By Richard Day FOREST LAKE, MN (August 1) -- Brooke Tatnell has rarely felt the agony of defeat, especially while racing in his native Australia. One thing he's learned in the last two weeks, however, is the agony of defeat doesn't compare to the torture of the inability to compete. Tatnell, driver of the #6 Casey's General Stores Maxim with the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series, crashed with Craig Dollansky early in the Eldora Clash at Eldora Speedway July 14th. Doctors originally told him the impact compressed several of his vertebrae. A recent examination by Dr. Terry Trammell in Indianapolis revealed the 1999 Vivarin Perseverance Award recipient suffered two broken vertebrae, a fractured sternum and a broken scapula in his right shoulder. "I guess I was lucky I didn't continue walking around and think nothing of it," Brooke said from a friend's home Tuesday. "I was also lucky to get an appointment to see Dr. Trammell. Originally, they said he couldn't see me until the end of September, but a friend of mine who used to work with spinal injuries, called back for me. I guess she knew exactly what to say -- she got me in within two hours. "Dr. Trammell has been very good to me. He has me in a back brace and I'm making progress. He tells me I won't be able to race for at least six more weeks. I'm mainly having problems dealing with the frustrations of being handicapped. I really want to go racing. I really miss being out there. "When I asked them if I might be able to get back earlier, Dr. Trammell said, 'No way.'" Tatnell will return to Indianapolis for another checkup the first week in September. He knows another hard crash could further damage his vertebrae, but doesn't want to miss the rest of the season. "Lonnie (Parsons, his car owner) and Don Lamberte (his sponsor) have told me my ride isn't in jeopardy," Brooke said. "The ride is mine again when I get doctor's clearance. "They've told me to stay where I am. I'm staying with some friends and it's been really good. They give me a homely atmosphere and I have someone staying after me all the time. Every time I go to do something stupid, I get yelled at, so it's probably the best thing for me. "Five years ago when some vertebrae in my neck were compressed in a crash, I guess I and too busy worrying about winning championships at home. I never gave my neck a chance to recover and I'm still paying the price for that. I'm not going to rush into anything this time. "I'd like to be back in the car for the Kings Speedway race (September 8th) so I can go and run the Gold Cup Race of Champions. I really want to race at Silver Dollar Speedway. If it's as heavy as it used to be, I'll probably struggle for fitness. But the track resembles many I've raced in Australia." Jimmy Carr, the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series Rookie of the Year in 1991, will take the reins of the #6 Friday at the "Night Before The Big One." He will drive the car until Tatnell returns. Brian Paulus, who substituted for Tatnell for the last seven races, will return to P and P Motorsports' #28 Verdelli Farms Maxim this weekend. WoO