Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 23, 1994 TAG: 9409240056
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHARLOTTE LENGTH: Medium
Ernie Irvan's stride was a bit off and the black eye patch was conspicuous. But his smile and humor gave him away when the Winston Cup driver made his first public appearance since suffering massive head injuries in a crash last month.
``I guess I got this all started by calling John Boy and Billy,'' Irvan said, referring to the popular morning radio show duo on WRFX-FM in Charlotte he phoned from his hospital room Thursday morning.
Hours later, Irvan walked slowly into the packed room at the Charlotte Institute of Rehabilitation, where he has been undergoing treatment since he came home last week. He wore a black Harley Davidson t-shirt and a black Texaco cap to match his eye patch. With him was his wife, Kim, and members of the Robert Yates Racing team.
``I'm feeling pretty good. I'm just tired,'' Irvan said during his brief appearance. ``They have me doing a lot of exercises and it's consuming. But I feel pretty good.''
He made a vow to return to the NASCAR circuit.
``God saved me so maybe I can race again,'' he said. ``It might take a little while. It could take three months or it could take a year. I really believe I will be at Daytona.''
At that point, Dr. James McDeavitt interrupted.
``You look better than the car,'' he said.
Irvan, 35, suffered severe head and lung injuries when his car slammed into a the wall during practice session at Michigan International Speedway on Aug.20. He was unconscious for the next seven days.
Irvan has been undergoing six to eight hours of rehabilitation a day, including swimming, weights and occupational therapy.
McDeavitt said Irvan's recovery has exceeded expectations.
``We initially thought he would be here for about three or four weeks, but it looks now like he'll be able to go home in about two weeks,'' McDeavitt said. ``You must keep in mind that a month ago he was comatose. Now he's up and around and joking with his friends.''
Irvan will continue to receive outpatient therapy following his release from the hospital.
``There are some physical things he needs to work on,'' McDeavitt said. ``He needs to gain weight. And every day he stays in bed he loses strength. His endurance is not as good as it should [be].''
One of Irvan's biggest problems is his left eye.
The vision is fine, his doctor said, but he is having problems with coordination that causes double vision. It is very common for head injury patients to have eye problems.
``I can't predict if it will get better,'' McDeavitt said. ``And it could take six months to a year to get better if it does. There's not a lot we can do about it except wait and see.''
Irvan said the toughest part will be showing patience.
``I'd really like to be at Martinsville this weekend,'' he said. ``But I have to do everything right. It's phenomenal that I'll be able to go home in a couple of weeks. Only in America can something like this happen.''
Keywords:
AUTO RACING
by CNB