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ELDORA BLUES: WHITT CAUGHT IN USAC NATIONAL FEATURE PILE UP |
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 – Eldora Speedway is known as a track where bad things can happen quickly. This is due to its high speed on the high-banked _ mile dirt oval. The race on Saturday in Eldora, OH was an example of a race ending almost before it started due to events that were outside of Cole Whitt’s control.
After a rainout on Friday night, Cole and Keith Kunz Motorsports were looking to extend the early season points lead. Once on track, and a late pill draw, Whitt qualified in 17th out of 34 USAC National Sprint Cars. A solid third in the heat race had Cole and the team looking to move up in the 30 lap feature event.
Once in the feature, however, the fast nature of this track took its toll on Whitt and KKM’s hopes. Cole started quickly to move up inside the top 10. As he did, using the bottom side of the race track, Cole was hit broadside by a spinning car causing him to flip while other cars piled into him. The frame damage to his car meant that he would be unable to continue.
Cole’s teammate Darren Hagen was also involved in a serious accident during his heat race. Darren was flown to a nearby hospital where he is recovering from broken ribs and a punctured lung. Cole and the entire Keith Kunz Motorsports team wishes Darren a speedy recovery and hopes he is back in the seat soon.
After the tough luck, Cole returns to the track this weekend. If the weather cooperates, look for Cole to compete in three USAC National Sprint Car events all in the State of Indiana.
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