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NASCAR WCUP: Crewman injured in fire at Rockingham recovering at home

25 October 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. - Rick Machcinski, the gas man for the No. 17 DEWALT Taurus, who was injured on pit road yesterday during a fire in the team's pit stall is resting at home today.

A fire ignited on pit road after driver Matt Kenseth made a green flag pit stop on lap 320. The fire burned on pit road and in the pit stall area and was quickly extinguished by safety personnel. Machcinski was attended to immediately in the infield care center.

He was transported immediately after the Pop Secret 400 at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham by helicopter to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte for overnight observation. He suffered burns to his neck and to his face during the incident.

"We're happy and relieved to hear that Rick is doing well today," team owner Jack Roush said today, one day after visiting Machcinski in the infield care center during the race. "All of Roush Racing breathed a sigh of relief after learning that he was doing fine in the hospital and would be released today. This is a reminder that this sport can be dangerous for not only the drivers but for the crew members as well."

Machcinski, a Toledo, Ohio native, was released today and is resting comfortably at home. He will be home for a few days before returning to work at the No. 17 and No. 97 shop where he also works as the engine tuner for the No. 97 John Deere team.

Text Provided By Kirk Lowry

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