Community Cares Rick Carelli

Memphis, Tenn. Rick Carelli, driver of the #6 RE/Max Chevrolet, reported during the ESPN brodcast of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck race at Pikes Peak today that he has improved significantly from a week ago when he was so seriously injured. He said he is 350% better. Carelli has one more arterial check to have done for his neck. He also has a problem with one eye with seeing double vision caused by the brain swelling. But Carelli was upbeat saying he was very thankful for all the support, prayers and get well wishes from the fans, the crew and family he has received. Carelli suffered serious injuries last weekend at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck event, the Memphis 200 at Memphis Motorsports Park. Carelli's truck was the victim of a cut-tire that sent him headfirst into the concrete retaining wall. Currently listed in stable condition in Elvis Presley Trauma Center at Memphis Regional Medical Center. Carelli suffered a concussion and multiple facial injuries. It was only last month when West Coast fans were delighted with Carelli as he won the Truck event at Mesa Marin, a track he had raced on so many times. Carelli and another west coast driver, Kevin Harvick held off a hard charging Stacy Compton to finish one, two. Carelli is currently 6th in the standings. It is not yet known when he will return to racing. For now the "High Plains Drifter" has a much harder race, to get well. The fans, crew and friends of Rick Carelli all wish him well and extend their prayers not only to Carelli and his family but also to Rodney Haygood and the entire RE/MAX crew. It is a difficult time for all of them. Randy Renfrow has stepped in to pilot the #6 truck until Carelli is ready to take to the track again.

Rick Carelli Updates

• 12/31/1999 - CARELLI RECOVERS AND RETURNS TO RACING
  Rick Carelli made a nearly complete recovery of his head injury and has returned to his passion, racing.

Prayers and Support For Rick Carelli

• Ash Motorsports
  Our prayers go out to you for a speedy recovery.Hurry back. Ed, Debbie, Brandon, Audrey and the whole crew Wednesday, May 26, 1999 - 8:50 PM
• Wayne Short
  Glad to hear you are home. We are glad to see that you are feeling better. Wednesday, May 26, 1999 - 7:30 PM
• Lee Kindred (leebo)
  Rick, met you many years ago when you pulledall the way to Concord Speedway. In fact your wife bought some crochet stuff from my wife. Sorry to hear about your accident. Was glad to hear on TV that you were able to go home. Take care, bud. We pull for you in those trucks. Hope to see you back in that 6 truck real soon. Lee & Bea Monday, May 24, 1999 - 7:01 PM
• Brittany Clear/Mike Clear
  We heard you were home. Hope you're feeling better.We missed you at PPIR. See you soon. Saturday, May 22, 1999 - 10:51 PM
• don boyd
  hey rick whats up with this injury thing??? dont you know there has never been a race won f from a hospital bed??? besides that the brakes on those things {hospital beds}dont work worth a darn!!!!any way we really enjoyed seeing you when you were here in bakersfield and if you remember we were the ones who told you downtown that we expected a win from you and you did it. be glad when your back on your feet and giving em hell on the track again. get well soon. just a fan Saturday, May 22, 1999 - 2:40 PM
• Nancy & fans in Ohio!
  Rick, We continue to read about your progress. Our prayers are with you. Keep up the positive attitude! There is a wealth of racing 'family' along with your own to get you through. We are all with you! Best wishes & prayers for a great recovery! Friday, May 21, 1999 - 10:04 AM
• Gene Gudenkauf
  Rick, It was sure great to hear your voice on the phone even if you was not at PPIR. It will sure be good to have you back in the truck but you need to take your time and get back to 100% before doing any more racing. I am still cheering on the great # 6 RE/MAX RACING TRUCK because I know that Randy is trying to do the best that he can for you Get well soon Gene Gudenkauf Wednesday, May 19, 1999 - 10:46 AM
• Carol Johnson
  Rick Cathy & Kids, Hope you are feeling much better today & everyday! Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Keep up your spirits & those beautiful smiles you have! We look foward to your return home Take Care. Carol Johnson Tuesday, May 18, 1999 - 7:55 PM
• Troy Thompson--Thompson Racing
  Hey, High Plains Drifter, Glad to hear you're doing better. Get well soon ,we look foreward to seeing you back. Tuesday, May 18, 1999 - 6:57 PM
• BOB AND PEN
  RICK, WE LOVE YOU. GET WELL QUICK. SEE YOU IN VEGAS. Tuesday, May 18, 1999 - 6:48 PM
• Pamela Ellis
  Rick, I sure hope to see you out racing soon. Keep the faith and recover quickly. The fans and other racers and there crew are pulling for you... :) Tuesday, May 18, 1999 - 3:32 PM
• WARD GARLAND
  GET WELL. I HOPE TO SEE YOU DO A BFL REPEAT SOON. WARD GARLAND Tuesday, May 18, 1999 - 2:23 PM
• Bob Fisher
  Rick and Cathy Hope this message finds you both well and (Rick)ready for the driver's seat again. I can't wait. Tuesday, May 18, 1999 - 1:14 PM
• Bill Echols
  Rick and Cathy, We're all praying for your full recovery. You've become a wonderful friend of the RE/MAX family and the thousands of children in Children's Hospitals. Do what the doc's say, and things will heal faster! Our thoughts are with you both daily. Bill Tuesday, May 18, 1999 - 10:51 AM
• Ed Coughenour / C & C Racing
  Rick, It is great to hear that your condition is improving daily. I am a native of Denver and I saw you drive your first race at Lakeside Speedway in the green #7 modified many years ago, and have seen you run many, many times over the years. After moving to Califonia eighteen years ago, it has been great to watch your career blossom and see you become the first driver from Denver to master the NASCAR Southwest Tour. Now you have shown everyone in the country that Denver is a great racing town with first class drivers through your success with the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks. God Bless and get well. Hopefully, we'll see you back in the seat very, very soon. Tuesday, May 18, 1999 - 1:46 AM
• Blair Aiken, Jennifer Aiken And Crew of the #69 Winston West Team
  I wish you all the best. Hope you get well soon. Hoping a speedy recovery in best wishes to all of your family. From all of us, Blair Aiken, Jennifer Aiken And Crew of the #69 Winston West Team. Tuesday, May 18, 1999 - 12:26 AM
• Chris Harwood
  PPIR was less of a race without you. Take time to get well. We all miss you! Tuesday, May 18, 1999 - 12:11 AM
• Sam Johnson
  Hi Rick, I hope you are feeling much better each & everyday! I hope you soon will be back home. Surly missed you yesterday at PPIR! It wasn't the same without you. Were certainly doing alot of thinking of You,Cathy & Kids throughout this past week! Do take care of yourself & know you are missed by many Denver race fans. I Look foward to your getting back to Denver. Take Care of Yourself! Monday, May 17, 1999 - 11:39 PM
• Mike Wilson
  Rick,Get well soon. Everyone here at Ware Racing offer their prayers and support for a full recovery. Our prayers are with you. Hope to see you at the racetrack very soon. Monday, May 17, 1999 - 6:10 PM
• Joe Madore
  Hey Rick, Hope you get to feeling better soon. Our prayers are with you. Joe Madore & the JAM Motorsports Crew Monday, May 17, 1999 - 3:44 PM
• Ted and Bonnie Thompson
  Dear Rick: We wish you all the best and hope for a speedy recovery. You and Cathy are in our thoughts. Ted and Bonnie Your Long Time Tucson Fans Monday, May 17, 1999 - 2:40 PM
• Gail Dragan and Peter Ascroft
  To Rick & Cathy, We hope that Rick will be out of the hospital soon and well on the road to recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we hope that you will not have a difficult convalescence. Take care and we look forward to seeing you race again. Monday, May 17, 1999 - 12:16 PM
• Ron Esau
  Rick and Cathy, Are thoughts and prayers are with you both. Jerel Reeves your Spotter has been keeping me up to date on your progress. Get Well Soon. Ron Esau Monday, May 17, 1999 - 11:48 AM
• Larry & Tammy Gunselman / Josh too
  Rick, We just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that your in our thoughts and prayers. It's hard on everyone in the racing family when one of our own gets hurt. We're all out here pulling for you. The first year in Japan you spent some time with our son Josh and he wanted me to tell you he's sorry you have to go through this and he hopes only the best for you. Lets have a speedy recovery and get you back in that famous #6 truck. We miss you out there. Monday, May 17, 1999 - 11:25 AM
• David &AimeeSullivan
  Rick, We just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery and hope you get well soon. We all would love to see back in the #6 Remax truck real soon. Our prayers go out to you and your family. We will be praying for you all the way. Good luck Rick! your race fan, David&Aimee Sullivan Monday, May 17, 1999 - 12:49 AM
• Teresa & Brenda & family
  Rick, We've been watching you for years. We enjoyed the great battles you had with Dan Press, Mike Chase, of course Ron Hornaday, at many west cost tracks.We now live in Louisville Ky.Our entire family is praying and pulling for you. It's hard getting to the top of your game being a west coast driver, but it sure does make you tougher,& this will only add to that determination.Were here for you, your transplanted, but loyal west coast fans from Saugus! God Bless You!!! Sunday, May 16, 1999 - 9:28 PM
• Gary Robertson
  Rick, I have to tell you my heart sank when I heard you were hurt bad. We don't know eachother well, but I know you too well to have something bad like this happen to you...without feeling hurt with you. Get better soon... Your the best driver to ever come out of Denver and represent our town. You do a fine job and we need two professionals like Kathy and yourself to carry the flag... I'm moving back to Denver from utah this week and may be moving to Charlotte again soon. I hope to run into you guys at a racetrack somewhere soon. Seeya Gary P.S. My Dad and my brother told me they are praying for you too. Sunday, May 16, 1999 - 3:54 PM
• Randy Teague
  Dear Rick, I'm sorry to hear about your misfortune. Just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am originally from Denver, I grew up watching you as far back as Englewood Speedway and have been a fan of yours for years. I've said hello to you when you won the Copper World Classics in Phoenix, AZ. I've gotta say you are my favorite driver. I look forward to seeing you back out on the race track. Your fan, Randy Teague Sunday, May 16, 1999 - 11:44 AM
• Jim Henesey
  Hurry up and get well....We all miss you in that Re/Max Truck.....Look forward to see you at the track again..... Riverside, CA Sunday, May 16, 1999 - 11:18 AM
• Gerald and Punkin Gose
  Our thoughts and Prayers are with you. Get well soon and back in the Number 6 Sunday, May 16, 1999 - 10:43 AM
• Paul & Kay Madore
  Rick, my prayers are with you. You're a great driver and here's hoping that you return to racing soon. The truck series won't be the same until you're back. But stick it out til your 100%. I know you can do it. Take care! Saturday, May 15, 1999 - 11:12 PM
• Dwayne Sims
  Dear Rick, I have been a long time supporter of your race efforts and want to thank you for many exciting showings. The race this weekend won't be the same without ya'! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family for a speedy recovery. Get well man. Also, I think we need to thank racingwest.com for allowing us to voice our feeelings. Thanks guys. Saturday, May 15, 1999 - 7:58 PM
• deron adkins
  get well soon. Saturday, May 15, 1999 - 4:58 PM
• Denny Schlott
  Hey Rick, here's wishing you a speedy recovery. I hope your back behind the wheel soon. I'll keep you in my thought's and prayer's. Now you go and get better, Denny Saturday, May 15, 1999 - 3:42 PM
• Mike Keiter
  Rick and Cathy, Hang in there! You are guys are awesome together. Rick,it just wouldn't be the same without you in a race car or race truck. I have enjoyed working with you throughout the year. Cathy, you and Rick have been long time friends of mine and I know you won't let this get you down. You guys are both strong. My whole family is asking me about you and we are praying for you everyday. Call me if you need me. Thoughts and prayers, Mike Keiter RE/MAX West Friday, May 14, 1999 - 8:06 PM
• Scotty, Joan, Jordan and Madison
  Get Well SOON, thoughts and prayers with you. Will keep check to see how things go. Hurry and get back in that truck! Friday, May 14, 1999 - 7:38 PM
• Mike Miller & Gary Saunders
  Rick, Best of luck to you. Sounds like a heck of a way to get a nose job. Hurry up and get back at it. From part of the ol' Jim Thirkettle crew. Friday, May 14, 1999 - 12:59 PM
• Matt
  Get well soon Rick, I need my favorite CTS driver out there on the track!!! Hope you are feeling better real soon Friday, May 14, 1999 - 12:41 PM
• Rocky & Angie Horton
  You, your famaily and race team are certainly in our thoughts and prayers. We're looking forward to seeing you on the track soon! Friday, May 14, 1999 - 12:03 PM
• Scott and Donna Gaylord
  Let us know if we can help you Get well soon The Gaylord's Friday, May 14, 1999 - 9:57 AM
• Steve Amaon
  Rick, Get well soon! I saw you at Mesa Marin, what a show! I will see you at Fontana and Phoenix, can't wait. SA Friday, May 14, 1999 - 9:35 AM
• James Murphy
  Hey Rick, Just wishing for you to get well, I am a big fan. take care and hope to see you back out at the track soon. James Friday, May 14, 1999 - 4:29 AM
• Duane&WendyDrummond,DRUMMOND RACING/AFR Motorsports Jeff&BettyBarrister
  Get well SOON buddy we miss you already both of our teams wish you the best we are all praying for you and we will see you at the track... Friday, May 14, 1999 - 1:55 AM
• Myers & Tolsma's
  Prayers to both Cathy & Rick from the Idaho families of Randy & Tiffanie Tolsma. Friday, May 14, 1999 - 12:57 AM
• The Nestor's Medford,Oregon
  Hope you get well real quick. Our thoughts are with you. I had the honer of meeting you at Sears Point. Hope to see you back there soon. Take care The Nestors Friday, May 14, 1999 - 12:43 AM
• Rhonda
  Hi Rick We are saying prayers for you everyday!! I had the honor of meeting you some years ago at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield CA. I hope to meet you again REAL soon!! Get well, you are definitely missed. Love Rhonda :) Thursday, May 13, 1999 - 11:57 PM
• Lisa & Natalie Gilliland
  Rick, Best Wishes for a Speedy Recovery! We hope that you get well soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, family and race team. Hope to see you soon back out on the tracks!! Thursday, May 13, 1999 - 11:53 PM
• Matt
  Rick, I hope you get better real soon, because you are a part of the CTS series. You could be compared with Earnhardt or Sawyer, because they are always at each race. The next race at Pikes Peak won't be complete without you Thursday, May 13, 1999 - 10:46 PM
• robbie
  Rick Hope you're doing better and wish you and your family the best. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you. You are a huge part of the BEST racing series going. We've loved watching you race and I hope you are back in the saddle soon. (As long as you don't beat up on my man, Ron Hornady) lol!~My husband and I have been fans of yours and of the truck series since day 1. The best racing series going, won't be the same until that High Plains Drifter is back in action. Thursday, May 13, 1999 - 9:46 PM
• woody
  Hope you have a speedy recovery and Iget to see you at CA. speedway or VEGAS been watching you since the start of the truck series.best wishes to the high plans drifter get well soon!!!!! Thursday, May 13, 1999 - 8:46 PM
• Larry Collins
  Rick and Cathy, All of our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will anxiously look forward to seeing you both back at the NCTS events. We know how tough you are Rick, so I'm sure it won't be long. Thursday, May 13, 1999 - 7:22 PM
• Chris & William Wright
  Rick, May God's healing touch be with you during your recovery. My son William and I enjoy following you and the ReMax team. Looking forward to seeing you tough truckin' again soon!! Thursday, May 13, 1999 - 7:21 PM
• Your Truck
  Rick my nose is beat up and my wheel is bent, but im waiting for you to come back and race me around again. The team put me together now lets hope god gets you together better. Hurry back its lonely without you. Thursday, May 13, 1999 - 6:35 PM
• The Warrens
  Rick get well soon. We have been watching you race since Southwest West tour was established in 1986. In the beginning we watched you race at Saugus Speedway and the tracks around the L.A. like Mesa, and others. We have been rooting for you ever since. We intently watch the careers of all West Coast boys inflitrating the East. We pray that you will heal quickly and completely so you can return to the racing. Love your friends from Los Angeles, THE WARRENS Thursday, May 13, 1999 - 6:20 PM
• Lynn K. and Family
  Rick, We are avid race fans. We wish you a speedy recovery. We want you back on the track, but please listen to your doctors so your comeback will be the best. Our prayers are with you. Thursday, May 13, 1999 - 5:14 PM
• Tom Prichard (aka MaxStout)
  How's the High Plains Drifter? Here's hopin' for your speedy recovery! I sure wish you were racin' at Pikes Peak this weekend, 'cause it's your "home" track. Hang in there buddy, your in good hands, and you are in your fans thoughts and prayers. Can't wait to see you teachin' em a lesson out there on the track again! GO #6 REMAX CHEVY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thursday, May 13, 1999 - 11:55 AM
• mark kuchen
  hi rick get better soon we need you in the 6 truck Thursday, May 13, 1999 - 6:48 AM
• Wally "BY GOLLY"
  Rick; Get well soon..We all know this is not the end of your road, just a bend in the road.. Thursday, May 13, 1999 - 12:36 AM
• Larry LaFayette
  Rick get well soon , Been laid up my self and dont think that's the hot setup! Better days are coming.May god bless you and your family, in the days ahead. Speedy Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 11:44 PM
• Steve
  Rick and Cathy My familys thoughts and prayers are with you and your family durring this tough time. Hope to see you at the track soon. P.S. I think its my turn for the Mcdonalds run Steve Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 7:40 PM
• bill snow
  get well soon Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 6:29 PM
• Don and Sally Nolder
  Hi Rick, Hope you are soon well and up on your feet and back driving where we know you want to be. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Be a good patient and listen to your doctors. Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 5:51 PM
• Rob Reid
  Dear Rick, You are one of the best CTS Drivers I've ever seen, besides 24, And 16 your the best! (you know who they are!) Anyhow, I wish you a speedy recovery, and good luck when you get out of the hospital. Sincerely Rob Reid Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 5:02 PM
• Tim Behrens
  Rick and Cathy, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Best wishes for a quick and full recovery. Tim Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 3:00 PM
• Bob and Cheryl Shaw
  Rick, Our prayers have been with you since your accident. We wish you a speedy recovery and sure due miss the racing in Colorado. Keep up your positive attitude and you will recover soon. Your Guardian Angel was looking out for you that day. Get Well Soon. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 2:45 PM
• RAY FOX
  MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU FOR A FAST ROAD TO HEALTH. I REALLY ENJOYED THE GREAT SHOW THAT YOU PUT ON AT THE MESA AND CAN'T WAIT FOR ANOTHER ONE OF THE SHOWS REAL SOON!! Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 2:16 PM
• Brian
  Best wishes for a speedy recovery. You've represented the sport so well. I hope to see you back on the track real soon. Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 12:11 PM
• Kelly Conway
  Rick, best wishes for a speedy recovery. Everyone in the West who has seen you race from CNS to Mesa Marin to Vegas knows when you get back on the track, you'll "pick-up" right where you left off. Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 10:15 AM
• Derek Ross
  Rick - Get well !!! You may not remember -but you spent quite a bit of time talking with me at the Phoenix tour event- back in 89 ? - it was the year Jim Thurkettle - Red/orange #5 won the race - you had a very pretty off-white/silver car ... you gave me some great advice ..it was, and is appreciated. Rick- you've still got a lot more winning left in you -- and I predict a big road-course win! Thoughts are with you! Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 3:00 AM
• Jen
  Rick - Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you and praying for your full recovery. You won the very first Southwest Tour race I ever went to about six years ago and it's been so exciting to see your racing career progress. I look forward to seeing you in victory circle again! Your wife and children are also in my prayers during this difficult time. Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 2:09 AM
• Danielle
  I wish you the best in recovering. It's horrible to see any driver go through a bad accident. Hope to see you back in the driver's seat soon. Get Well Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 1:23 AM
• NitroGal78
  Get better soon! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 1:18 AM
• Richard & Sophia Jenkins
  Hope you are recovering nicely and feeling better, we miss you not being on the track. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. From your Saugus Speedway fans, Richard & Sophia Jenkins Wednesday, May 12, 1999 - 12:59 AM
• KATHIE & PAUL HUMPHREY
  HEY RICK, WE HOPE YOU'RE UP AND FEELING GREAT AGAIN, REAL SOON. WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU, AND YOUR FAMILY, AND FOR YOUR SPEEDY RECOVERY. WAS THRILLED EARLIER THIS YEAR OF YOUR WIN. BEEN PULLING FOR YOU FOR YEARS, SAW YOU FIRST AT I-70 SPEEDWAY IN YOUR LATE MODEL, FOLLOWED YOU EVER SINCE. AGAIN, A SPEEDY RECOVERY!! KATHIE & PAUL BOONVILLE, MO. Tuesday, May 11, 1999 - 9:02 PM
• Joe THE old guy from Bakersfield
  Rick hope you are doing better. we are all praying for .Hope to see u soon at the track . All the guys at TErry Henrys race prep wish u the best see u soon Tuesday, May 11, 1999 - 8:02 PM
• Bruce Yackey and racing team
  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time and during your recovery. Hang in there Kathy. If there's anything we can do here in Colorado please let us know. You can reach us at llyn12345@yahoo.com, we'd be glad to help if we can. Bruce, Christi, Butch, Linda, Orvin, Jeff, and the rest of the crew.

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