IRL: Kenny Brack update 2003-10-20

Brack thanks everyone for thoughts, prayers ; Swede looks forward to move to Indy this week

Team Rahal driver talks to Andretti, Rutherford & Rahal for support.

DALLAS, Texas.-- Injured driver Kenny Brack said Monday he is very grateful and appreciative to all of the people who have sent cards, letters, e-mails, faxes and calls from across the world and he wants them to know he is getting better each day.

The Team Rahal racer continues his recovery process in a private room in Parkland Hospital.

Brack, 37, from Karlstad, Sweden who now lives in Upper Arlington, Ohio, was alert and talking to team owner Bobby Rahal as well as racing legends Mario Andretti and Johnny Rutherford.

"I want to thank everyone for their support for Anita and I the last week," said Brack from his hospital room. "I just didn't know how many friends, fans and racing enthusiasts were out there. It is great to know they are behind me and I'm anxious to see everyone in the near future."

Brack, driver of the No. 15 Pioneer/Miller Lite Honda Dallara for Team Rahal, suffered massive injuries in last Sunday's Chevy 500 IRL IndyCar Series race at the Texas Motor Speedway.

Brack remains in satisfactory condition with a variety of injuries including a fractured right femur, a fractured sternum, a fractured lumbar vertebrae and fractures to both ankles. Brack had surgery on Sunday (femur and ankles) and Monday (vertebrae).

"Johnny (Rutherford) was explaining how tough it was to have a broken sternum when he had a crash many years ago," said Brack. "He was making me laugh and that hurt a lot. So he had to stop telling funny stories. But I was happy to see Johnny and talk to Bobby and Mario on the phone. They really helped my spirits. Now we are talking to the doctors to see when I can be moved to Indianapolis. I am hoping in the next few days."

Today, Brack was discussing his move to Indianapolis with his Dallas-based doctors as well as Dr. Henry Bock, medical director for the Indy Racing League, and Dr. Terry Trammell, a top racing surgeon based in Indy. Brack's move to Indianapolis could happen as soon as Tuesday said Bock.

Further updates on Brack's condition will be provided when available.

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