Over the course of 5 a long time, neurosurgeon Dr. Jerry Petty was a relentless presence in NASCAR, serving to drivers navigate troublesome accidents all through their careers. Sadly, he handed means earlier this week on the age of 90.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. known as him “a good friend to the NASCAR business” who helped many throughout his prolonged profession as a medical skilled. Earnhardt was considered one of many to share such sentiments, from drivers to house owners and broadcasters alike. NASCAR on FOX’s Mike Pleasure and Larry McReynolds posted tributes to him, as did former drivers similar to Jeff Burton, Kyle Petty, Rick Mast, Max Papis, Phil Parsons, Todd Bodine and Matt Tifft.
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On Thursday, NASCAR legend and Hendrick Motorsports govt Jeff Gordon joined within the tributes, sharing his personal private story about Dr. Petty.
“I’m deeply saddened by the lack of Dr. Jerry Petty,” Gordon’s put up learn. “He was the particular person I trusted most for something associated to the pinnacle, neck or backbone. He helped me via a few of the hardest moments, together with occasions after I was coping with extreme again ache. However what stood out much more than his medical experience was his kindness. After each exhausting crash, he would verify in — not simply as a health care provider, however as somebody who really cared. By way of his compassion and help, he turned an expensive good friend. I’ll all the time be glad about his steering, and I’ll always remember the affect he had on me and so many others in our sport.”
It was additionally introduced that each one 4 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolets will carry memorial decals on their automobiles this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, honoring Dr. Petty for his many contributions to the game. In an announcement, HMS known as him a “pioneering neurosurgeon and trusted medical guide to numerous drivers and groups” and “a beloved determine within the NASCAR neighborhood.” You may see the decal beneath in Gordon’s put up:
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