In the midst of a strong season, Robert Ballou finds himself on the sidelines for an extended period after enduring a brutal back injury during the penultimate night of Indiana Sprint Week.
Ballou was injured in a flip at Bloomington Speedway.
“It is a tough pill to swallow because things had really turned around for the team and we had a ton of speed,” Robert Ballou said.
Upon evaluation, it was discovered that Ballou endured fractures to his T2, T3, and T5 vertebrae, and while surgery is not needed it will be a roughly an eight-week recovery period until he can be revaluated with hopes to returning to the track.
“If there’s any way possible, even if it’s just for the final two races in Arizona, I’m going to try to get back in the seat for my fans,” he said. “But I also must be smart. I understand the risks of coming back too soon, and I won’t jeopardize my long-term health or my future in racing.
“Luckily these are all new injuries and none of my back issues from the past were effected or worsened,” Ballou said. “But being forced to the sidelines is never easy, especially when you know how much work everyone around you has put in. I hate it for my team. I hate it for our sponsors. And honestly, I just hate not being behind the wheel.”
Though he will be sidelined, Ballou still plans on staying connected with his fans who have stuck with him through every twist and turn along the way.
“I have some of the best fans in the world, and I truly appreciate everyone’s support this year, and I will do my best to keep the store loaded with fresh designs even though we won’t be at the track.” Ballou added.
