Riggs says injuries to feet pose no problems
SONOMA, Calif. - NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver Scott Riggs says injuries to his feet suffered while vacationing in Myrtle Beach, S.C., earlier this week won't keep him from competing in Sunday's Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway.
The driver of the Valvoline Evernham Racing No. 10 Dodge suffered cuts to the bottom of both feet while unloading a jet ski into the water. Twelve stitches were needed to close a wound on his left foot, while eight were necessary to close a cut on his right big toe.
"I stepped off the side of the ramp in sand," Riggs said, "and there were a bunch of oyster beds right there. ... I knew I was cut; I saw blood, so I knew. When I got out of the water and saw how deep [the cuts] were, I knew I was going to need some stitches."
The team had former full-time driver Bill Elliott on standby at Infineon, but after Friday's first practice and a qualifying effort that left Riggs 25th for Sunday's race, Riggs said he felt Elliott's services would not be needed.
"If I can put 170 pounds of weight on it," Riggs said shortly after climbing from his car, "I know I can put 100 pounds of brake pressure on it."
He wore a larger shoe, borrowed from teammate Jeremy Mayfield, that was fitted with a plastic piece designed to help keep pressure off the stitches during Friday's practice and qualifying sessions.
