CHICO, Calif. — Sprint car racer Chase Johnson was injured in a violent crash during Saturday night’s Mike Curb Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway.
According to a post on the Chase Johnson Racing Facebook page, Johnson underwent surgery on Sunday and is recovering in the intensive care unit of a California hospital.
“Currently, Chase is stable and recovering in the ICU with a breathing tube,” the post began. “He had a nine-hour surgery on Sunday to repair fractures in his C4, C5, and C6 vertebrae. They removed pieces of bone that broke off, repaired the damaged areas with a spinal fusion, and stabilized his neck using plates and screws. He still has a T10 and T11 fracture.
“Today, we are hopeful that his breathing tube will be removed, which will allow him to talk with us.
“We are so thankful for all of the support, prayers, and wishes. We will do our best to update on behalf of chases wishes.”
The Penngrove, Calif., native is 28 years old and a frequent competitor in winged sprint cars, non-winged sprint cars and midgets.