LAKEWOOD, CA, July 21 -- Three-time
Sprint Car Racing Association (SCRA) Champion Richard Griffin was injured in a
work related accident Wednesday in Silver City, New Mexico.
Griffin was apparently cutting some steel with a grinder when the accident
that severely cut his right arm occurred. Griffin suffered two cut
tendons and two cut arteries in the mishap and underwent surgery in a local
hospital.
Doctors released Griffin on Saturday and informed him that he has likely
sustained no permanent damage that would restrict him from being able to drive
again. Although doctors are still unable to give him a timetable as to
when he may return to the cockpit, Griffin is optimistic that this is not a
season ending injury and hopes to be racing in a few weeks.
After a slow start, Griffin battled his way back into championship contention
with seven victories this season. Although it seems unlikely that he will
be in a position to win his fourth straight SCRA driving title, Griffin does
lead the Non-Wing World Championship (NWWC) tour points standings and that
series is scheduled to resume on October 25th at Manzanita Speedway (Phoenix,
AZ). Tony Jones will take over the driving duties in the Ron Chaffin /
Madera Produce No. 50 while Griffin is recovering.
