Pitroad Accident UPDATE 3 Crewman Better: Three members of the #28 pit crew and one NASCAR official were injured during a pit-road accident on Lap 111 of Sunday’s Pennzoil Freedom 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. During a round of pit stops under caution, #22-Ward Burton pulled out from his pit stall and into the left side of #19-Casey Atwood. Burton then cut to his left and into Rudd’s pit stall, where his crew was still performing a four-tire and gas pit stop. Bobby Burrell, Rudd’s front-tire changer, was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami for treatment of head injuries. John Bryan, jackman for Rudd’s team, was taken by ambulance to Baptist Hospital in Miami for treatment of knee injuries. Bryan is the brother-in-law of Todd Parrott, crew chief for Dale Jarrett, Rudd’s teammate. Kevin Hall, the team’s front-tire changer, was treated for bruises at the infield care center and released. NASCAR official Kenny Lawson, who was overseeing Rudd’s pit stop, was seen and released from the infield car center. He was knocked onto the hood of Rudd’s car. See full story and updates at That’s Racin’ and NASCAR.com. Allen Bestwick reported during the race that Burrell is awake and listed in serious condition(11-11-2001) UPDATE Jackman John Bryan was treated at Baptist Hospital for knee injuries and a concussion, front tire carrier Kevin Hall was banged up and NASCAR official Kenny Lawson was not injured in the incident. Ward Burton headed to the hospital after the race. NASCAR officials said it was just a racing accident and no penalties would be assessed, but they are considering requiring helmets on pit road. It’s a move several crew chiefs advocated after the race. Richard Childress Racing crew members Kirk Almquist (front tire carrier) and Scott Naset (front tire changer) moved over from working as backups for Rudd’s team. The two have been working with Childress’ Busch team. Jarrett jackman Shane Callis helped as well.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(11-12-2001) UPDATE 2: NASCAR.com reports (as of 10:56am/et today) that “two of the three injured crew members of the No. 28 Ford driven by Ricky Rudd have been released from the hospital while a third is still under medical care in Miami. Bobby Burrell, the front tire changer who resides in Huntersville, N.C., is listed in serious condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital with a head injury.(NASCAR.com)(11-12-2001) UPDATE 3: Update on Crew Members of No. 28 Texaco/Havoline Team (as of 12:55 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001). Bobby Burrell, tire changer, 30 years old from Huntersville, N.C. Bobby Burrell remains in serious but stable condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. On Tuesday morning, he was moved from the Neuro Intensive Care Unit into a regular room. He remains conscious and continues to communicate verbally with family. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the outpouring of prayers and support from across the country. John Bryan, jack man, 31 years old from Charlotte, N.C. John Bryan is resting at home with bruises. Bryan suffered a mild concussion on Sunday. He flew home Sunday evening after being treated at Baptist Hospital in Miami. Kevin Hall, tire carrier, 31 years old from Charlotte, N.C. Kevin Hall is resting at home with bruises. Hall was treated and released from the Infield Care Center on Sunday and returned home with the team on Sunday evening.(RickyRudd.com)(11-13-2001)
