64 replies to this topic

[Blake Thompson]

That's awful. Many drivers have had horrific incidents at that corner over the years. Nice that they added pea gravel there years ago but it would be a huge safety improvement if they found a way to move the embankment and barrier further back.

Advanced captured this last year when it happened. At 125 the pea gravel stopped Evan nicely. I watched Mark's video once and that was enough for me. bleh. I was glad to read that he is recovering. I hope it doesn't take long.

[Bench Racer]

I stopped at the hospital today. Mark's family and a couple friends are with him.

[Race Engineering]

Get well soon buddy.

[Alex Bolanos]

I had a similar incident there at canada in the chippy '99 I drove at the 2010 runoffs. I did exactly what he did and turned right to avoid the car ahead, hit the apex curb sideways (which helped slow me down) and thankfully the gravel was able to stop me. No brakes at all coming in, forgot to pump after the kink :/

[wheel]

[Blake Clements]

I had a similar incident there at canada in the chippy '99 I drove at the 2010 runoffs. I did exactly what he did and turned right to avoid the car ahead, hit the apex curb sideways (which helped slow me down) and thankfully the gravel was able to stop me. No brakes at all coming in, forgot to pump after the kink :/

I've done it too, and did two 360 spins and used a T2 car to slow me down.

Get well soon Mark!

[ToddW]

Get well soon Mark.

Looking at the SpeedTV video, Mark did a heroic job missing the car in front of him...that could have been double ugly

[Jim Drago]

That's awful. Many drivers have had horrific incidents at that corner over the years. Nice that they added pea gravel there years ago but it would be a huge safety improvement if they found a way to move the embankment and barrier further back.

Looking at the picture of the pea gravel, you would think they would change mow rake the sands the 90 degrees from the way it is done so the wheels catch the individual rows as they go through?

[Danny Steyn]

Thanks for the permission Jim, hope I never have to use it

As you recall, I had the same thing happen in the same corner last year. Got pad knock-back by going out over the rumbles in T8 and in the heat of chasing down the fast guys, somehow forgot to tap the brakes back, came into the corner and realized I wasn't going to make it, and I was running dead straight for Pat Sandlin's car who was initiating the turn in, managed to turn it sideways at the last moment, and got the back of Pats car on my driver door. His rear panel came through my door skin, but the NASCAR bars didn't move. I honestly thought I had just about killed him, went to JD's camp to find him, apologize and offer him my car to use in the race, and was absolutely dumbfounded by how little damage there was to his car. If both cars are going in the same direction, that impact is very different to hitting a stationary wall, even if it has tires.

[suck fumes]

Man after watching that speed video there is no doubt he had an angel riding shotgun in that car with him. I must commend him though for doing an AMAZING job avoiding that mini cooper, that would have been a devastating wreck for not just him but for both drivers! I bet the mini guy crapped his pants when the kia went by in front. Hope Mark will pull through and shine once again, prayers are with ya man!

[Blake Thompson]

any plans to let him out anytime soon?

[Glenn]

any plans to let him out anytime soon?

The "Pombo Racing" Face Book page is updating his condition.......

[Glenn]

From latest update....


"Mark will be transported to Atlanta tomorrow to Shepherd Spinal Clinic where he will work on rehabilitation. We ask that there are no visitors at this time so he can focus on his recovery. We will keep you updated on his progress and let everyone know when he will be ready for visitors. Thank you for the continued prayers"

[Jim Daniels - FIG]

I spoke to Doc (Mark's brother) last night.  He said that Mark is being taking via air ambulance to a head trauma center in Atlanta as early as today.  

Mark is suffering from brain bleed among the other injuries.

His condition is stable.  He has walked some and is eating.  Doc describes his motor skills as being like he had one to many at the watering hole.  Great news but a long recovery ahead. 

The Pombo family needs our thoughts and prayers!

[Caveman-kwebb99]

He is in my prayers

[Kevin B]

He'll be in some of the best/most qualified hands in the country. The Shepherd Brain and Spine trauma center is nationally renowned. My mom spent several months there ending in a successful recovery from spinal trauma.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mark, for a speedy and healthful recovery.

[Adam Molaver]

sweet mother! i don't know the pombos (only of them), but i'll be thinking about mark. i think a brake failure at such a high speed or being trapped inside a burning car are at the top of my 'oh crap' list. get well brother!

ahm

[Bruce Wilson]

Prayers out to Mark and Family. Get well soon!!!

[High Chair]

sweet mother! i don't know the pombos (only of them), but i'll be thinking about mark. i think a brake failure at such a high speed or being trapped inside a burning car are at the top of my 'oh crap' list. get well brother!

ahm

The Pombos are great people; thats for sure. I hope Mark gets well soon.

[High Chair]

Any updates on Mark???