Larry Pearson badly injured in NASCAR exhibition race

UPDATE Jim Wozniak, a Welmont Health System spokesman, said Pearson would undergo surgery on a compound fracture of the left ankle, and that he suffered a fractured pelvis and fractured right hand. "He is awake and alert, and in good spirits," Wozniak said of Pearson, who was listed in fair condition late Saturday night. Wozniak also said that Glotzbach was in good condition, but provided no further details regarding his injuries. Bristol Herald Courier

03/21/10 Two drivers taking part in an exhibition race among NASCAR legends at Bristol Motor Speedway were injured in a violent wreck and transported to a local hospital Saturday afternoon.

Larry Pearson's family confirmed through track officials that the driver had a compound fracture of his left ankle, a fractured pelvis and a fractured right hand. He was to have surgery late Saturday.

According to BMS officials, Charlie Glotzbach is listed in good condition.

On Lap 30 of the 35-lap event, Pearson spun and hit the outside wall. As his car drifted back down the track, it was T-boned on the driver's side by Glotzbach.

Glotzbach was able to get out of his car, which briefly caught fire, and was escorted into ambulance.

Safety workers spent several minutes attempting to extricate Pearson, who was knocked unconscious, from his car. Eventually works tore off most of the driver compartment to get to Pearson.

According to an ESPN report, Pearson was responsive when loaded on an ambulance. He was taken to a waiting helicopter, where he was airlifted to Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, according to BMS officials.