Bobby Gerhart released from hospitalized
Gerhart, diagnosed with a left brachial plexus injury and a T6 compression fracture, has been fitted in a neck brace for comfort. The veteran driver has also been fitted with a back brace to be worn at all times in the upright position, and will undergo physical therapy under a physician’s care in his hometown of Lebanon, PA.
“Overall, I’m just so disappointed," said Gerhart Wednesday. “As a team, we think it’s plain to see that we’ve got this program completely turned around. We’ve been competitive everywhere. But our championship hopes are gone for 2007, and that’s just disappointing; I don’t know how else to say it.
“I just want to thank Lucas Oil, Eagle Warranty and all our sponsors for being so supportive through all of this."
08/07/07 ARCA RE/MAX Series driver Bobby Gerhart has been diagnosed with a left brachial plexus injury by physicians at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA.
“Mr. Gerhart has a left brachial plexus injury, and a possible fracture of his T-6 vertebrae," commented Dr. Mark Cipolle of Lehigh Valley Hospital. “He will be in a neck brace for comfort, but there are no fractures of the neck." The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that control the muscles of the shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, hand and fingers. Brachial plexus injuries are nerve injuries in which the nerves and/or the nerve roots of the brachial plexus are damaged.
Gerhart, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, was involved in a lap 56 incident during the 80 lap Pennsylvania 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race at Pocono Raceway. Gerhart was able to exit his No. 5 Chevrolet under his own power following the multi car incident, but was ted to Lehigh Valley Hospital for further evaluation. The veteran ARCA RE/MAX Series driver was kept overnight after being transported, alert and conscious. Hospital personnel continued to evaluate Gerhart on Monday, and he remains under physicians’ care for further evaluation by members of the spinal team at the Lehigh Valley Hospital. “If we decide that Mr. Gerhart does not need a back brace for the vertebrae injury, he could be released this evening," Dr. Cipolle continued. “Should we decide he needs the brace, we could have to wait until tomorrow for his release."
Further updates will be provided as they become available.