IHRA: Wally Stroupe Announces Plans to Return to IHRA Competition
14 April 1998
KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC Trim Parts, Inc. sponsored driver Wally Stroupe has announced his intentions to return to IHRA Snap-On Tools competition following a harrowing fire at the IHRA Prolong Winter Nationals that left him with second and third degree burns.The mishap stemmed from an intake explosion that ignited a fire. According to Stroupe, there was an attempt to activate the fire bottles, but they did not function properly. The intensity of the fire melted both the windshield and the firewall of the car.The windshield of the 1963 Corvette collapsed on the driver. Stroupe was diagnosed with third degree burns on his right hand and second degree burns on his face. He had minor burns to his left hand and waist. He had only minor smoke inhalation.
His objective is to return to competition as early as the Summer Nationals at Cordova Raceway Park located in Cordova, Illinois. Parts from the burned car were salvaged; however, the body was a total loss. The new car should be complete by the end of the month, but Stroupe cannot foresee himself behind the wheel that soon.
Stroupe explains, The doctors say that it is going to take at least a year before things get healed just right. I dont want to rush things and come back too soon, especially when Trim Parts arent putting pressure on me to get back. We have some of the finest doctors looking at my hand and I am sure they are going to suggest what is best for me. I believe I will be a spectator at Darlington, but thats okay. I have also made it a point to talk to the official about upping the safety requirements for Pro Modified because of the simple fact that I do not want anyone to go through what I have had to.
Stroupes account of the accident will be chronicled in an upcoming issue of Drag Review in the A Quick Word column.
