Daryn Pittman injury update

SAN FELIPE PUEBLO, NM (March 11) -- Daryn Pittman was injured Saturday when he crashed during the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series preliminary program at Hollywood Hills Speedway. Early indications are pointing to a minimum recovery period of at least three weeks.

Pittman, the 2001 World of Outlaws Gumout Series champion, was injured when he flipped the #21 Sherdon Motorsports J&J during time trials at the new facility. After being transported via ambulance from the track it was determined that he had suffered a compressed fracture of the T-4 vertebrae.

"I am OK as long as they keep giving me pain medicine," said Pittman early Sunday morning from the hospital. "They originally told me that I was out at least three months. I knew as soon as I landed that I had hurt something in my back. I landed on all four wheels and it appears the injury is a compression fracture. I have been cleared to leave the hospital as soon as I am fitted with a back brace, and I hope to get back to Tulsa with my doctors to see if I can get back on track.

"My mechanic pulled up to the car just when I was getting ready to push off," Pittman said. "He wanted to tell me about track conditions, but I was pushed off before he had a chance to talk to me. So much for a good start to the season."

Pittman recorded his first Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series victory February 23rd at Perris Auto Speedway.

-WoO-