The crew member for Ryan Blaney will likely be out for 3-4 months
On Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series visited Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the famed Brickyard 400.
On lap 16, chaos broke loose at the entry to the pit lane. As one driver turned in for his pit box, it stacked up just about everyone behind him. The accordion effect took the bumpers and noses off many cars.
Related: NASCAR crew member struck on pit lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Video)
Several cars back, Corey LaJoie and Ricky Stenhouse Jr were turned sideways. They just about blocked the entire pit lane.
As cars attempted to squeeze by the pile up and avoid content, they were forced out of line. Directly next to the accident, Ryan Blaney’s crew was at work on a four tire stop.
The crew just finished up the left side tire change. That’s when Brennan Poole attempted to squeeze between the car of Blaney and the accident.
In the process, Zach Price, tire changer for Ryan Blaney was squeezed between the right rear of Blaney and the left front of Poole.
At the same time, the jackman launched himself into the air to avoid injury. Success.
Initially, the tire changer went down to the ground. He then hopped up and moved to the inner pit wall where we was attended by a medical team.
The race was red flagged. Price was placed on a stretcher and into the ambulance. He gave the thumbs up with a smile.
Moments after the race, Ryan Blaney tweeted, “Glad Zach Price is feeling alright. Thats a scary scene for sure, even worse when I saw the replay. Them guys are warriors. All of them.”
Medical update on Zach Price
On Tuesday, the family provided the following update after the crew member’s visit with a doctor:
“He has a tibial plateau fracture,” Wife Tasha stated.
“Dr. said where the bone fragment is, it’s not in a load bearing area, it should be just fine where it is, as long as it doesn’t move.”
“NO surgery needed, but probably be out for 3-4 months to give the bone time to heal, crutches for 3-4 weeks. Said he can gradually put more weight on it but not to hyper extend it.”
“Pulled 66 cc’s of fluid off the knee to relieve pressure.”
She concluded, “Follow up appointment in August. Dr. will take x-rays then to check on the healing process. Hopefully he can go back racing at the end of the season or next year”
Links
Ryan Blaney | Team Penske | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | NASCAR
