CAMARILLO, Calif. – Charles Utts, driver of the Lucas Oil Products/TELCOM Communications Chevrolet, is recovering from the injuries he suffered in a racing accident at Irwindale Speedway June 16. Utts suffered two broken vertebrae and other, lesser, injuries in the accident. He is home now and in good spirits. Utts said he is thankful for the help and support he and his family have received in the wake of the crash.
“My family and I owe a debt of gratitude to many, many people,” Utts said this week. “The out-pouring of concern from fellow racers, track officials and fans has been terrific. I want everyone to know how much it has helped and what it has meant to us.”
The good news about the injury is that Utts is expected to recover fully. The bad news is the recovery will take a while.
“I hate to say it, but I think my racing season is over,” Utts said. “You have to let nature run its course and this is one injury that will not be rushed.”
But the racing season is not over for the entire Utts family. Kristen Utts, Charles’ wife, will be in the pits June 30, working for a Late Model team. Kristen Utts is a former True Value Mechanic of the Year at Mesa Marin Raceway. She made many of the tire and sway bar adjustments that helped propel Charles Utts to the top of the division standings before his accident.
