Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, July 8, 1990 TAG: 9007080090
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FRANK VEHORN LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
DATELINE: DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. LENGTH: Medium
Waltrip, a three-time Winston Cup champion, was injured Friday in a crash during practice at Daytona International Speedway.
Dr. Albert Gillespie performed the surgery and also treated Waltrip's fractured left elbow. He said Waltrip should be ready to get out of bed and begin therapy Tuesday.
Gillespie said an 18-inch metal plate was attached to the damaged bone, which was broken from midway down the thigh to the knee. The plate was attached with metal screws, which also were used to repair some of the fractured areas of the bone. The leg was not placed in a cast.
The doctor said Waltrip's elbow was placed in a splint following treatment that did not require surgery.
Gillespie did not say how soon Waltrip might be able to return to racing. Waltrip's team owner, Rick Hendrick, said he hoped doctors could provide a timetable in a few days.
"We will look at our options, as far as replacing Darrell while he is out," Hendrick said. "It is hard to make a decision until you sit down and think about everything."
Jimmy Horton drove Waltrip's car Saturday in the Pepsi 400 and finished 17th, although the car was damaged in a wreck on the second lap.
Crew chief Jeff Hammond said he hoped Hendrick would continue to let Horton drive the car until Waltrip returns.
Waltrip's injury came at a critical time in his career. The driver was in the process of deciding whether to exercise his option to purchase his team from Hendrick.
Waltrip had said Friday morning that he needed to inform Hendrick of his decision "real soon."
"I have had the option to purchase the team since joining Hendrick four years ago. But that option runs out this year," he said. "If I don't do it now, I might never get the chance again."
Sources close to Waltrip said he already had decided to purchase the team and was actively seeking sponsorship.
Waltrip said owning a team was something he wanted to do.
"I want to stay in racing after I quit driving," he said. "I love the sport. I don't ever want to walk away from it.
"I finally have a good relationship with NASCAR and the fans. I feel like I am a part of the family, and I don't ever want to throw that away. Being an owner is just the natural thing to do at some point."
Waltrip denied that Hendrick was pressuring him to buy the team and said he had the option of continuing to drive for Hendrick if he did not purchase the team.
"Rick is heavily involved in my decision making, and nothing is being done under the table," Waltrip said. "Everyone is being very patient and understanding because this is a big decision.
"But I can't wait all summer to decide. I am trying to make the right decision because there is a lot hinging on what I decide to do."
Waltrip said he would not consider leaving Hendrick for another team if he did not purchase the team.
"I have driven for the best," he said. "There's nowhere else for me to go. I don't see another car owner or another car that interests me. I think owning my own team is my next step."
by CNB