Johnny Benson has been upgraded to fair condition following a fiery crash during a SuperModified race. The wreck looked very scary on video, but the reigning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion is reportedly awake and alert, according to a hospital spokesperson.
The 45-year-old driver crashed on the opening lap of Saturday night's 50-lap event at Berlin Raceway in Michigan. He reportedly suffered minor burns and at least one broken rib. Track personnel quickly extinguished the blaze and pulled Benson from the vehicle.
"The safety crew just did an excellent job. They worked with Johnny, Johnny worked with them, he talked with them, so I was very proud," said raceway representative Michael Blackmer.
It's been an awful couple of weeks for Benson, whose No. 1 car for Red Horse Racing was suspended on June 8 due to lack of sponsorship. The team had been unsuccessful since December in its attempts to secure funding.
Information from the Associated Press and WOOD TV 8 was used in this report.
Johnny Benson Crash Video: Truck Series Champion Survives Close Call
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6/14/2009 8:35 PM ET By Tom Herrera
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- Tom Herrera
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Comments (Page 1 of 1)
benson is a class act and should have cup ride,get well fight back.
i agree 100%
I also agree, Johnny Benson, is a class act.
Get well soon.
Johnny should be in a cup car, as opposed to the likes of amirola,etc. Get well soon!
Johnny Benson is indeed a class act. He is a great guy and an excellent driver. I wish him well and hope that someone steps up to the plate and gets him the ride he deserves. I have always been a big fan of Johnny and always liked it when Ken Schrader and Michael Waltrip used to do the Speed Vision show. They were great together. Get well soon Johnny and know that your fans love you.
Get well, soon Johnny! I was never a fan of the truck series until I watched Johnny's championship winning race last year. When he beat Hornaday, I was so happy for him. He seemed like such a nice guy and I will echo the others before me above, a complete class act. And yes, definitely deserving of a cup ride indeed.
Kim