10/10/2016
Sprint Source
Robert Ballou Recovery Fund Set Up
A recovery fund has been set up to help with medical costs for 2015 USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car champion Robert Ballou of Rocklin, California.
Robert was injured in a severe accident on September 3, 2016 during the “Louie Vermeil Classic” USAC/CRA AMSOIL Sprint Car feature at Calistoga (Calif.) Speedway.
Although he was able to walk to the ambulance, Robert was later airlifted to Stanford (Calif.) Medical Center anticipating surgery. After an evaluation, Robert was then informed that surgery would not be needed. After four days at the hospital, Robert was released.
A couple weeks later, Robert returned to Indianapolis, Indiana to visit with Dr. David Schwartz at OrthoIndy, who quickly determined that surgery would, in fact, be necessary.
Robert’s C7 vertebrae had suffered a burst fracture and was protruding too far and too close to the spinal cord. Dr. Schwartz felt that the vertebrae could never come back together and heal properly.
Surgery was completed on Friday, October 7 at OrthoIndy by Dr. Schwartz with 100% success and received an outlook for a full recovery.
At this time, Robert is looking forward to completing his full recovery in Indy with only a neck brace for the next eight to 12 weeks. With that said, doctors are anticipating that he may be out of the race car for an estimated eight to 12 months, depending on how quickly he heals. Robert plans to prepare for the 2017 season and, hopefully, return to the racecar and competing as early as August.
Donations for Robert may be sent to:
Robert Ballou
c/o USAC
4910 W. 16th Street
Speedway, IN 46224
