RCR Doctor: Dr. Jay Golding has worked with Richard Childress Racing since the fall of 1999 and his role continues to evolve. In addition to seeing team members and their families at his practice in Lexington, N.C., he tries to provide some continuity at the track as well. When RCR BGN driver Mike Dillon was involved in a wreck at Bristol, Dr. Golding was there to help when he reached the infield medical center. Golding was able to order the tests he felt Dillon should undergo, allowing him to get in and out of the hospital correctly. And while accidents would seem to be the biggest reason to have a team physician, owner Richard Childress says Golding is invaluable for a number of reasons. “It’s good to have someone in an organization like ours who can help you with everything from the flu shots to whatever,” Childress said. “He’s been a tremendous help. He’s been in Daytona with us (when Dale Earnhardt was killed) and I think he helped us all (deal with that). And he can head off a lot of stuff that would cause (crew members) to be out of work.” NASCAR does not have a physician that travels the circuit, preferring that local physicians work with the hospitals in that area. Golding says everyone he’s encountered has been receptive to his presence and he sees pros and cons to NASCAR having its own doctor.(Winston Cup Scene – need subscription to view online)(4-5-2001)
