Larry Pearson breaks pelvis, ankle and hand in charity race at Bristol
Safety workers extricate Larry Pearson from the car during the Scotts EZ Seed Showdown charity race at Bristol Motor Speedway. // Erik J. Perel, Harold Hinson Photography
BRISTOL, Tenn. – Two-time Busch Series champion Larry Pearson suffered a broken pelvis, a broken left ankle and a broken right hand in a vicious accident in a race for legends at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday.
In the invitation-only old-timers race driving USAR Pro Cup Series cars, Pearson spun and was T-boned by Charlie Glotzbach. Pearson was knocked unconscious but regained consciousness as he was extricated from his car and was put on a backboard, track officials said. He was airlifted by a helicopter from the Wellmont Health Systems, which operates the Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Pearson is awake and alert, according to a hospital statement sent to the track. The family has confirmed to the track that Pearson suffered a compound fracture to his lower left ankle and he was scheduled to undergo surgery Saturday night to repair that injury.
Glotzbach was able to get out of the car under his own power but did go to the hospital, where he was listed in good condition.
Larry Pearson, 56, won the 1986 and 1987 Busch Series titles. He is the son of three-time Cup champion David Pearson, who also was in the race Saturday. Glotzbach, 71, has four career Cup victories.
The charity race, named the Scotts EZ Seed Showdown, was won by former Petty Enterprises driver Rick Wilson.
