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Guthrie Returns To Driver's Seat

17 July 1997

BEDFORD PARK, Ill. - Whether it's winning the Phoenix 200 or
qualifying on the second row for the Indianapolis 500, Jim Guthrie is
used to surprising people. But the events that have transpired over
the past few weeks just may constitute his most implausible triumph.

Just over three weeks after suffering what was originally diagnosed as
a spinal fracture in an accident at Pikes Peak International Raceway,
Guthrie has been cleared by Indy Racing League Medical Director Henry
Bock to race in the Inaugural Charlotte 500 on July 26.

Jim Guthrie

After a bone scan taken last week did not reveal the fracture that was
initially expected, Guthrie's injury was downgraded to a severe
contusion (bruise) by doctors in his hometown of Albuquerque,
N.M. After examining the results of the bone scan, Dr. Bock agreed
with the diagnosis. The new diagnosis was a source of inspiration
following the accident, for which Guthrie was expected to be out six
to eight weeks.

"It really breathed life into me," said Guthrie.  "I got right
up. It just gave me a reason to keep going, and since then all of the
treatments have worked well.  Everything looks fine."

Guthrie has continued to complete an innovative daily rehabilitation
regimen that includes acupuncture, various homeopathic medicine
treatments and water therapy in a Jacuzzi-brand Pinnacle Plus portable
spa.  The rehabilitation has been so successful that Guthrie feels he
will be close to 100 percent for Charlotte, and has no reservations
about competing at speeds well over 200 m.p.h. on Charlotte's the
high-banked 1.5-mile oval.

"My neck and shoulders are still real sore," said Guthrie. "But I
don't think it will be a problem by the time we get to
Charlotte.  The only adjustment the Jacuzzi/Blueprint Racing team
plans on making to the No. 27 Jacuzzi/Blueprint Racing Oldsmobile
Aurora/Firestone/Dallara is to reinforce the padding in the middle
back area of the driver's seat. The team has always utilized a
custom-made seat and headrest, which Guthrie credits with limiting the
severity of his injuries.

Submitted by Terry Callahan