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.

Source: Various
Posted: 5/16/99