Jamie Dick, owner and driver of the #55 Viva Auto Group Chevy for Viva Motorsports, was admitted to a local hospital Saturday night for medical reasons unrelated to racing.(Viva Motorsports)(3-15-2015)
UPDATE: Kate Richer, a spokesperson for Viva Motorsports, told FOXSports.com Dick was transported to the local hospital from the PIR infield care center, and remained there Sunday morning as doctors continued to run tests. Richer indicated doctors had found a diagnosis for Dick’s condition, saying it was “a little more series” than just a typical illness. According to the team’s Twitter account, Dick’s first words after Saturday’s race were, “I need a cold rag and water.” However, Richer said the heat was not a leading factor for his hospitalization, but could have played a role. The team plans on releasing more information as it becomes available later in the day, but according to Richer, Dick’s spirits are high and he is “doing better than he should.”(FoxSports)(3-15-2015)
UPDATE 2: Immediately following Saturday’s Axalta Faster. Tougher. Brighter. 200, Jamie Dick, the driver and owner of the #55 Viva Auto Group Chevy, was taken to the infield care center at Phoenix International Raceway after reporting dizziness and fatigue. Upon evaluation, the physicians on site recommended Dick visit West Valley Hospital for further tests. Dick was admitted to the hospital Saturday evening and diagnosed with new onset diabetes. Dick was released Sunday afternoon and has flown back to the Charlotte area to continue evaluation and treatment. Jeffrey Earnhardt will fill in for Dick as the driver of the #55 Viva Auto Group Chevy for the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Auto Club Speedway. “I would like to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. It was quite a surprise to hear the diagnosis from the doctors, but the response from the NASCAR and PIR medical staffs was outstanding. The support from the racing community, my Viva Motorsports team, and the fans has been overwhelming,” says Jamie Dick. “Now I need to learn about this disease and do whatever it takes to get back behind the wheel as soon as possible.”(Viva Motorsports)(3-16-2015)
