#9-Bill Elliott will start 32nd in the race with three broken bones on the top of his left foot and a broken toe, and he admits that the injury is causing him some problems. “It’s not hurting me,” Elliott said. “I’ve just got to figure out how to brake correctly with this new deal. …We’ll just see how it goes.” The new deal Elliott referred to is a carbon-fiber brace his team has fashioned for him, aimed at keeping him from bending the foot and, potentially, doing further damage that might require surgery, team owner Ray Evernham said. “He really can’t feel how much pressure he’s putting on the brake,” Evernham said. “He felt bad about qualifying because he really couldn’t get his rhythm.” Evernham said his biggest worry is how much pain Elliott will feel over the course of a 600-mile race. “Six hundred miles’ worth of vibration in one of these cars going through broken bones is going to be a lot of pain,” Evernham said. “Bill’s got a touch of the flu, too. It has not been a great week for the No. 9 bunch.” Ted Musgrave will be on stand-by in case Elliott needs a relief driver during the 600.( ThatsRacin.com ) Although Bill Elliott said his left foot isn’t hurting, he’s walking with a severe limp. Elliott suffered three broken bones in his left foot in a crash at The Winston last weekend. Car owner Ray Evernham said the injury could take at least four weeks to heal. Evernham said the team has talked about possibly using another driver when the series heads to the road course in Sonoma, Calif., next month. Elliott might need a substitute at the road course because of all the braking and shifting.( Roanoke Times )(5-25-2003)
