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Stoffer
Recovering from Season Ending Accident
By Jack Korpela
(Las Vegas, NV) October, 26 2005 Sometimes terrible things happen
to good people. Such was the case Sunday October 23rd, when kind-hearted,
fan-friendly NHRA Pro Stock bike racer Karen Stoffer was violently
driven into the ground by the top of her transporter's heavy back
door, which struck her in the head. Long after the completion of the
weekend's race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Stoffer finished her usual
packing and attempted to close the massive rear door of the rig.
Stoffer became sidetracked for a moment and walked away. Just then
the cable which holds up the door came loose and fell upon her. The
force of the impact caused Stoffer a broken pelvis, hand, nose, and
cheekbone. She also sustained cuts to her head and dislocated a finger.
Fortunately team member Debbie Johnson is a registered nurse and was
on the scene immediately. Stoffer was well aware of the potential
hazard the back-door could become and ironically just before the accident,
exemplifying her unselfish nature, she made sure to clear everyone
from out under the structure, warning them, "This could fall."
After the door came down on her, Stoffer was pinned to the ground
and her forearms were all that was keeping her face from the asphalt.
Remarkably Stoffer never lost consciousness, and even more incredible,
she never shed a tear. "I couldn't believe it. If that was me
I would have been crying my eyes out", Karen's husband Gary Stoffer
said. That girl is so unbelievably tough. After we got the door off
of her she just laid there and told us her pelvis is definitely broken
Karen's proclamation proved correct and after being transported to
the University Medical Center doctors found a three inch separation
in her pelvis.
Stoffer underwent a successful surgery on Monday night and the doctors
believe in time she will make a full recovery. "She's in a lot
of pain right now, but it's getting better everyday," Gary said.
"The nurse gave her a sponge bath yesterday and it hurt her really
bad to roll over." So after this horrific life-threatening accident
one would think racing isn't even on Stoffer's mind. Gary says think
again, and in fact, she demands to race again. "To make her feel
better I said we won't be able to do any testing over the winter but
maybe you will be ready for the start of next season," Gary said.
Karen then asserted," Don't tell me I?m not testing! I'll be
back on that bike as soon as they let me." "I guess she
told me," laughed Gary.
Stoffer has proved to be one of the most mentally tough and resilient
drivers in all of racing. She bounced back from two horrific crashes
in the last four years, one at the top end of Gainesville Raceway
prior to the AMA/Prostar event in 2002, and one at the NHRA Columbus
race last season. "I think what has really helped her is that
she is in such good shape," Gary said. "She is a workout
freak, and she never gives up" Unfortunately for Stoffer the
accident couldn't have come at a worse time. With only one race remaining
on the NHRA tour she is on the verge of the best POWERade points series
finish of her career.
Stoffer has one win and two runner-up finishes on the seasons that
have earned her an eighth place standing in the hotly-contested points
series. "Even missing the last race we're hopeful she will stay
inside the top ten," Gary said. "She had a fantastic season."
Author's note - Of much greater importance than racing, we now anxiously
anticipate Stoffer walking up out of her hospital bed and heading
home. That is what truly matters. Stoffer is one of the most pleasant
and sympathetic individuals that you will discover. You would have
an extremely tough time finding anyone in the Pro Stock bike pits
with a bad thing to say about her.
Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult
recovery. Get well wishes can be sent to 1408 Industrial Way, Unit
16, Gardnerville, NV 89410 or via e-mail at karenstoffer@earthlink.net.
Gary thanked everyone for the tremendous outpouring of support and
concern. "I really want to say thank you to all of those who
have already sent cards or emails. We really appreciate it."
As always the team thanked the dedicated supporters that have
been aboard all season long : GEICO Motorcycle Insurance 1-866-326-2035,
Mac Tools, Bates Leathers, NGK, Airtech, Wrath Motorsports, Square
One Graphics, and Vance and Hines Motorsports. |
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