|
Tim Packman, Turner Sports Interactive
November 17, 2002
4:51 PM EST (2151 GMT)
HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Peter Jellen, gas man for the No. 18 Interstate Batteries Pontiac of Bobby Labonte, suffered minor burns in a flash fire during a yellow-flag pit stop at lap 74 of Sunday's Ford 400.
Jellen suffered the injuries when gas splashed on to his uniform and then a small pool of it on ground was ignited from a spark off the left lugnut. When the fuel ignited, Jellen's protective fire suit burned and was quickly extinguished by his fellow crewmen.
Jellen, known as "Rabbit," walked to a nearby garage area and was administered first aid by medical personnel.
Jellen taken to the infield care center, where he was treated and released. Dan Gatewood, Labonte's motor coach driver, jumped into replace Jellen for the remainder of the race.
Joe Gibbs Racing personnel were concerned with the amount of time it took track firemen to respond to the situation, and they said they will broach the issue with the track and NASCAR after the race.
Every pit stall has its own firemen with extinguishers to handle an incident such as the one in which Jellen was involved.
|
;)
