NTB Trans-Am: Mayr Released from Trois-Rivieres Hospital
15 August 1998
TROIS-RIVIERES, Quebec, Can. - NTB Trans-Am Series driver Doug Mayr, 42, of Franklin, Wis., was released from Centre hospitalier regional de Trois-Rivieres in Trois-Rivieres, Can., today. He was flown to his home in Wisconsin in the private jet of John Menard, owner of the Menard ^s retail chain and primary sponsor for the Mayr Motorsports team.Mayr was injured Aug. 2 in a single-car incident during the Trans-Am race at the Le Grand Prix Player's de Trois-Rivieres, in Trois-Rivieres, Can.
"The extraction of Mr. Mayr from his car was a challenge compounded by fire and smoke, but our primary concern was to remove him from the car quickly and safely," said Dr. Claude Archambault, Le Grand Prix Player's de Trois-Rivieres Director of Medicine. "Our emergency plan was implemented promptly and I'm pleased that the hospital was able to give such excellent medical care."
Mayr suffered a fractured and dislocated vertebrae in his neck and underwent successful surgery Aug. 3. Neurosurgen Dr. Benoit Goulet performed a spinal fusion and has continued to monitor Mayr's recovery. Mayr is now fitted with a halo traction device that he will wear for about three months to ensure proper healing. He is experiencing no negative neurological effects or loss of feeling in any of his extremities.
"I'm happy to see that Mr. Mayr is recovering and I will continue to monitor his progress from Trois-Rivieres," said Dr. Goulet. "I anticipate Mr. Mayr will have a full recovery in approximately three months."
Management of Centre hospitalier regional de Trois-Rivieres has indicated that as a trauma center the hospital will continue to offer full cooperation to Le Grand Prix Player's de Trois-Rivieres, and will always be ready to face any kind of medical situation that may occur during the presentation of the event.
"I would like to personally commend both the medical team that was involved in the extrication and the medical team at the hospital involved in his care," said SCCA Pro Racing Medical Director Dr. Ron Krome. "The rescue team, led by Dr. Archambault, provided delicate extraction and risked personal harm to get the driver rapid medical attention. The medical team at Centre hospitalier regional de Trois-Rivieres, led by Dr. Goulet, did a great job with his care; having performed a delicate surgery admirably, and the nursing staff was very competent, cordial, cooperative and were able to communicate bilingually."
Mayr was moved from intensive care Aug. 6, and had been recovering in a neurological care unit at the hospital prior to his release.
"The people of Trois-Rivieres have given us excellent support and treatment," said Mayr. "We would like to return to Trois-Rivieres, as other than our accident we have all enjoyed the trip."
