Denny Long update

[Garry Lobaugh]

I am happy to report that Denny Long our flagman is on his way home this evening after a complete checkup. Aches and pains may last a few days. Further tests will be performed, but he is resting at home.

Denny was knocked out as a kart struck him at the start of the Sr. Rotax race today. He laid on the ground in great pain. Fast attention from first responder Al Menting ( first on site) and on the fly Craig Perkins our resident paramedic provided re-assuring prompt resuscitation to Denny's needs. Al confided this evening they were only seconds away from assisted respiratory efforts as Denny came back to consciousness. Man I hope those guys are on hand if I ever need help!

We owe thanks to many people, but I want to say a special thanks to Pat Dunne for his quick efforts in taking charge of the track side crisis. This is what Pat is best at. There are many other people that deserve our thanks. Great job to all. The above are a few of the most notable mentions. It was wonderful to see everyone pitch in and to stand by in prayerful silence to support the recovery efforts with Denny.

Certainly we all are wishing Denny a speedy recovery from the terrific hit he sustained from the kart plus his body landing on the hard ground. The best we can reconstruct is that he performed a 180 flip backwards with three point landing to his head, shoulder and upper body. As we all watched Denny in shock we realized he is a very hard headed and determined guy who was not going to have any part of laying still once he woke up.

Thanks to the persuasive skills of Pat, Al and Craig, firm hands and smooth talking won out as Denny surrendered to the backboard and transport of our South Bend rescue crew. This was a very shocking and upsetting moment for all of the Michiana family. We are most grateful for a positive outcome from the hospital tests and our prayers go out to Denny for a speedy recovery.

Thank you Eric La Lone for stepping in to assist with the flagging duties for the balance of the day. I am hopeful that we can get a further update from Chuck Yoder as the week progresses.

Congratulations to all of our racers in some very tough battles and exciting racing during our double header weekend.

[Jeff Myers]

Get well fast Denny!

Myers Family
Jeff, Kristy, Jeff Jr., Julie

[Garry Lobaugh]

Thanks Jeff. I just got off the phone with Matt and he reports his father will receive further testing on Tuesday. There appears to be an issue with a seperated shoulder.. .the good one. I didn't know there was a bad one.

For sure we will attempt to keep everyone posted as the news evolves.

[rotaxrookie#9]

Denny we wish you a speedy recovery!!

The Keyes Family
Bob Chris and Celine

[Matt Long]

Denny has asked me to make a post on his behalf regarding yesterday's incident. He would like to thank the entire MRP family for their efforts in getting him back conscience and to the hospital. He wanted to assure everyone that, despite his combativeness, he has no ill feelings toward anyone. I just got off the phone with him a bit ago and he is at home attempting to rest, although cannot find a pharmacy that's open to get the happy pills he was prescribed. He wanted to thank everyone for their continued thoughts and prayers as he will go see a physician and orthopedist tomorrow to lay out a plan of healing and recovery on his shoulder. His bell is still rung quite a bit and he will have one heck of a headache for several days, but all is still right upstairs. He's also very appreciative of those who stuck around to drink the case of beer for him last night. Hes going to remain quite restless through all of this and Im sure will be back up to at least spectate another race or two this season. Again, upon his behalf, as well as mine, Id like to thank everyone who offered assistance and prayers in this time of need... This is truely why you are all referred to as the MRP Family...

[Rick Hannah]

My family wishes Denny a quick and complete recovery. There will be many lessons learned from this mishap and I know my kids have an ever stronger respect for karting and the potential hazards it can bring in a split second. I would appeal to all parents to use this opportunity to sit with your child, LISTEN and discuss any of their concerns and use this unfortunate incident as a positive learning experience for all your young drivers. Our thanks go out to the immediate responders that came to Denny's aid.

[jonwolfrom]

Denny, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Get well soon, and we can't wait to see you back at the track!

William and Jon Wolfrom

[FrankSurace]

Glad to hear that you are back home. Hope you are back at the track very soon.

Frank , Paula , Dalton and Harley Surace

[sbfd410]

Hello all, This is Kraig Perkins, "The Fying EMT", I spoke with Denny this morning. He is looking for the Mack truck that hit him! He is doing well considering what had happen. He had a rough night until he could get his pain meds filled. He has a dislocated shoulder, very sore hip, road rash and bumps and bruises. And no memory of what happened. He only remembers something out the corner of his eye. And then nothing until he arrived at the hospital. He is counting his blessings. He wanted to tell everyone thank you for the thoughts and prayers. And I want to thank the ones that lent me a hand at the track. The racing community has ,once again, proven to be a tight family. I will update as I hear more.

[Jason Lee]

Glad he is at home and healing.

Best wishes from the Lee family.

[Sean Scott]

Get well soon Denny.

[snazzy007]

All are thoughts and prayers are with Denny and his family, get well quickly. Jim, Sandy and Leslie.

[Marc Miller]

Hi everyone -

Here is Denny Long’s address for those of you who have beeen asking.

Thank you all of your continued support in Denny’s recovery.


Dennis P Long
10514 King Rd
Plymouth, IN 46563-8676
(574) 936-7638

[Denny Long]

Good Morning, Just to let you know i'm still kicking. Am trying to be at Work Today. First i've been out other than Doctor Appts. Words cannot express my appreciation to all. As my mind clears, I'll tell you all more. Good Luck to all this week at the Rotax Grands
Denny

[Steve Miller]

Glad to know you are still kicking! Good luck at work, if you are like me after some time off I need to be retrained! Hope to see you before the track closes.

[Garry Lobaugh]

Yes, Denny it is good to hear from you.

Up at USA Raceway Matt helped crack the whip. As I was returning from the grid, a driver came off the track at track entrance, drove his Rotax in at full speed, almost ran me over and I was fuming! I turned the corner only to see Matt standing dead center in front of his kart and scolding the Birel driver! We know where Matt gets his genes. It was a great relief to see so many So Bend staffers in charge of the Rotax Series. You can be proud of your offspring.

All of us are so glad to hear from you. I must confess you are one hard charging dude, even under adversity, you instantly pop back up.