Jerry Nadeau returned to California Speedway on Monday and Tuesday, but in a far different role than his last visit in 2003, his last race run before the accident at Richmond. Instead of racing around the Fontana track like he did for seven years, Nadeau was serving as a driving coach for Adrian Fernandez, the open-wheel standout who will compete in the Busch race Sept. 3. The biggest question is trying to determine whether racing will ever play a role in his life. He has the desire – “I wish we had a second car here so that I could race against Adrian.” – but questions remain whether he is physically fit to compete.” Nadeau readily admits he lives with a constant tingling feeling on the left side of his body, the direct result of the hit to the right side of the brain. “It’s like when your arm or leg falls asleep,” Nadeau said in trying to explain the sensation. “It’s there all the time. If I really focus on something, I can barely feel it. When I work out, I feel it even more as the brain works to try and connect those nerves. I’m getting better. I’m not a 100 percent. I would say about 70.” Nadeau is working for car owner Rick Hendrick, coaching the Busch Series drivers. In addition to Fernandez, Nadeau has worked with Hendrick drivers Boston Reid and Blake Feese. The 35-year-old Nadeau said he plans to approach Hendrick about a possible test later this year in the Busch car. “The perfect scenario would be to test this year and then some Busch or Cup races next year,” he said. Advising or instructing drivers isn’t one of the career goals. Nadeau knows his limitations. “I can’t engage in long talks or conversations,” he said. “My speech isn’t that good. The brain doesn’t think as good as it used to.” Racing remains a big part of Nadeau’s like, but if he can’t get back behind the wheel, he will look at other opportunities.(full story and quotes at Inland Valley Daily Bulletin), see past news on Jerry on my Jerry Nadeau page.(8-18-2005)
