Photo Credit: Noel Lanier
After hitting the wall on lap 15 of the Rhino Linings 350(k) on Saturday night, Austin Theriault suffered a 10 percent compression fracture of the lower back.
Brad Keselowski Racing released a statement on Sunday morning with details surrounding the driver’s injury.
“Brad Keselowski Racing driver Austin Theriault was transported to University Medical Center in Las Vegas during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway,” the statement read. “Theriault underwent a comprehensive CT scan of the upper body, which showed a 10 percent compression fracture of the lower back. Theriault was released and will travel back to North Carolina where he will follow up with an orthopedic specialist for further treatment.
“No further updates are expected today.”
On lap 15 in turn three and four, Reddick would get sideways just about had it saved off of corner, when his teammate Austin Theriault would cross right into his path. The pair would make contact, sending Theriault straight up into a non-SAFER barrier outside wall.
After his truck came to a rest in the infield grass, Theriault would climb out with the help of SAFETY workers before sitting down on the grass beside his truck. He was then loaded on a backboard into the ambulance, giving a thumbs up to the crowd in the process. Theriault was then airlifted to local hospital.
Meanwhile, for Reddick, it caused some left front fender damage to his truck. He made multiple trips down pit road, getting repairs, before working his way back through the field en route to finishing seventh.
“My guys worked real hard on the truck,” he commented. “It was all tore up after that contact when I tore up a couple of good trucks. Just have to give all the props to my crew. They did all that work and to finish seventh in points ahead of those guys that we’re racing in points. I didn’t do my part – they did do their part and we got a good finish. it’s been shaky on my part lately but I know when I get it right that I have a team behind me.”
