Patrick Sheltra medical update 2009-02-09

Monday Medical Update On Patrick Sheltra

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (February 9, 2009) - - Sheltra Motorsports officials confirmed Monday afternoon that ARCA RE/MAX Series (ARS) driver Patrick Sheltra was released from a local Daytona Beach, Florida hospital following an incident in Saturday's Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway.

The Indiantown, Florida native sustained a compression fracture in his fourth vertebrae after the lap 74 incident in the first ARCA race of the season. At this time, no surgical procedures are planned for Sheltra, who finished 14th in Saturday's race.

Sheltra with the help of a back brace has begun his recovery mode for the next couple weeks before following up with family physicians with the intention of gaining clearance to run the next ARCA RE/MAX Series race at Salem Speedway on April 5.

"I am extremely appreciative of everyone who has shown concern over the accident," said Sheltra leaving Halifax Medical Center. "The amount of support has been unbelievable and I cannot continue to thank everyone for everything."

The family and the Whitesville, Kentucky-based Sheltra Motorsports team continue to be extreme grateful and appreciative of Sheltra's well-being and recovery. The outpouring support of emails, phone calls, prayers, text messages and voicemails have been overwhelming.

Plans for Sheltra to compete on the dirt at Volusia County Speedway have been canceled. The Sheltra Motorsports team however will continue to field an entry for newcomer Shannon Babb this week.

-credit: PatrickSheltra.com.