John Westbrook, 23, of Dillsburg was seriously injured in a crash during the 358-sprint car feature Friday night (9/5/2008) at Williams Grove Speedway.
His car flipped over the first turn guardrail during the fourth lap of the feature and landed upright near the access road.
Westbrook’s mother confirmed Tuesday afternoon he has a broken vertebrae in his neck, but the rest of his back and spine are OK.
Westbrook remains in critical condition at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and he went through nine hours of surgery to repair the vertebrae Saturday morning, his mother said.
Westbrook scored his first career wins in the 410-sprint division at Williams Grove and Port Royal Speedways this season.
He scored a second win at Port Royal, along with a win in the 358-sprints at the Grove and is the leading heat winner.
Cards may be sent to: John Westbrook 15 W. Greenhouse Road Dillsburg, Pa. 17019
A recovery fund has been set up at: Members 1st Federal Credit Union 5000 Louise Drive P.O. Box 40 Mechanicsburg, Pa. 17055
Those wishing to contribute should specify their donation to the John Westbrook Recovery Fund.
Updates on his condition are being posted on www.johnwestbrookracing.com.
BY TODD HEINTZELMAN, For The Patriot-News, 9/10/2008
Found at www.pennlive.com
(John is the son of Camille Melchiorre Collura, Grandson of Uncle Tony/Aunt Toby)