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Busch Series Driver Elton Sawyer Frustrated with Leg Injuries

23 August 1997

BRISTOL, TN - Elton Sawyer was transported by ambulance to Bristol Regional 
Medical Center after being involved in an accident during last night's NASCAR 
Busch Series Grand National Division Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway. 

Sawyer underwent X-rays of his left ankle and right knee which revealed no 
major breaks but a possible chipped bone in his ankle and soft tissue in his 
knee. The driver of the #38 Barbasol Ford was released at midnight and is 
scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday. 

"Of course I am extremely sore this morning," said Sawyer, "and a little 
frustrated that I am not mobile. We'll wait and see what the orthopedic 
doctor says before we make any decisions about the following weeks. If it was 
up to me you can count on seeing me in Darlinton."

Car owner Brad Akins indicated that the team will secure a replacement driver 
for Elton at Darlington Raceway next week in the event that Sawyer is not 
cleared to race. "We'll let Elton and the doctors decide what is best," said 
Akins. "Elton has a pretty strong head and I know he'll do everything he can 
to be ready for next Saturday's race if the doctors give him the go ahead."