Busch drivers go to work thinking of Nadeau

RICHMOND, Va. -- Busch Series drivers had Jerry Nadeau on their minds when the Hardee's 250 started Friday night at Richmond International Raceway.

	Scott Wimmer Credit: Autostock

But as much as it pained them to think of an injured colleague, drivers also said they had to put it out of their minds, at least temporarily.

"You've really got to put it out of your mind," fifth-place finisher Scott Wimmer said. "We're all race-car drivers. It's unfortunate. Jerry's a great guy. He just started a family. It kind of breaks your heart to see that."

Nadeau was injured in a crash during Friday's first post-qualifying practice. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in critical condition late Friday night. No other details about his condition were known.

Only a few hours after Nadeau's crash, Busch Series drivers strapped themselves in for Friday night's race.

"No, it's not difficult getting in the car," runner-up Scott Riggs said. "We have a focus and we have job here, and this is the job we picked."

Riggs isn't unfeeling toward Nadeau. Quite the contrary.

	Scott Riggs Credit: Autostock

"All of our hearts go out to anyone who's been hurt on the race track or in the pits or anything," Riggs said. "When it all comes down to it, we all pray for each other. We're a big family. Our hearts and prayers go out to Jerry and his family."

Thinking about it during a race won't help, third-place Tony Raines said.

"Obviously, you always (think about it), but those of us who sit behind the wheel know there's an assumed risk," Raines said. "It's always unfortunate, but it's part of the business and we hope everything goes alright.

"But you can't think about it, because indecision will get you in trouble out there, and you'll hurt yourself or somebody else."

The drivers "all know the risks," Wimmer said.

"Race car drivers are all alike," Wimmer said. "We don't like going to hospitals, we don't like going to funerals, we don't like talking about people getting hurt.

"I didn't say too much (before the race). I said a little prayer for him when I got in the race car. Hopefully, everything will be all right."