The location is Dover, Delaware. Erik Jones experienced excruciating pain the moment his Toyota collided with the exterior wall during a recent accident at Talladega Superspeedway. The 27-year-old Jones, known for his exceptional durability as a NASCAR driver, communicated to his team via radio that he had sustained an injury.

“I am uncertain about my well-being,” Jones sighed. “Assistance is required.”

Assistance has arrived.

Jones experienced a surge of excitement, and the driver from Legacy Motor Club left the car unassisted. Paramedics transported him to the track’s infield care center, where he underwent examination and was cleared within 10 minutes. He appeared completely devoid of pain as he calmly and explicitly recounted the crash that destroyed the No. 43 Toyota.

NASCAR Driver Erik Jones Defends Medical Treatment Following Wreck At Talladega

The realization of a terrible reality was swift. Upon his return to his motorhome, Jones felt an intense and agonizing sensation of pain radiating through his back. After a second visit to the care center and a trip to the hospital, Jones received the unfortunate news that he had sustained a compression fracture in a lower vertebra. As a result, he will be unable to participate in Sunday’s race at Dover Motor Speedway.

“I have never fractured a bone in my entire life,” Jones stated Saturday at Dover. “I was unaware of how that sensation would be.”

Jones’s soreness is diminishing. He experiences restricted mobility and discomfort when he sneezes despite being a three-time Cup race champion. However, in addition to the medical update, Jones and Legacy co-owner Jimmie Johnson emphasized that the medical personnel at Talladega performed their duties effectively when they checked Jones, despite only first detecting the severity of the injuries later that night.

“I believe the care center responded flawlessly,” Johnson stated. “There were limited alternatives available to him at that particular moment.” Everyone performed exceptionally well.

The visit to the medical facility and subsequent interviews are integral components of a NASCAR weekend, just like the waving of the checkered flag.

According to the NASCAR rulebook, the driver must promptly go to the Infield Care Center if a vehicle is damaged in an accident or any contact and needs to be taken behind the pit wall or to the garage area. This can be done by ambulance or vehicle as instructed by the safety personnel or a NASCAR Official.

The majority of journeys are often mundane. Drivers are consistently present and prepared to assume vehicle control in the next week.

The diagnosis for Jones was challenging.

Following his two visits to the care center, Jones required an examination at UAB University Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, some hours later for more evaluation and testing. Subsequently, he returned to his residence in North Carolina on Sunday evening and consulted with experts in the Charlotte region. They concluded that Jones had sustained a compression fracture in a lower vertebra.

The advancement prompted inquiries on the procedure. Why was the back issue not detected initially at the care center?

NASCAR Driver Erik Jones Defends Medical Treatment Following Wreck At Talladega

Jones assumed responsibility.

“They conducted a thorough examination of my body, as they usually do,” Jones stated. “I expressed that everything seemed satisfactory.” I repeatedly informed them that it felt like a muscular strain.

On his initial visit to the care center, Jones did not undergo X-ray imaging. The nurses at Talladega Care Center advised Jones to return if his condition deteriorated after release. Upon experiencing an increase in his suffering, Jones came back for a further appointment, during which X-rays were conducted.

The majority of the emergency doctors, nurses, and specialists who staff the care centers at NASCAR races work for a nearby hospital.

“NASCAR has maintained one of the most stringent criteria for determining who is eligible to provide initial medical care to anyone associated with NASCAR,” stated Ryan Stanton, the medical director of the AMR NASCAR safety team. Some of those care centers will be equipped with X-ray capability. Almost all medical facilities possess ultrasound equipment, if not all of them.

Although indicators of a concussion or other brain injuries are occasionally the primary concern, Stanton clarified that the initial examination is essentially a routine physical. Drivers remove their firesuits down to their waist, undergo vital sign measurements, and receive a comprehensive inspection from head to toe. Drivers exhibiting any signs of trauma receive special attention and care.

A driver’s perspective driver, if there are no issues, they prefer the problem to be resolved as quickly as possible,” Stanton stated. “Despite their request for the services, a significant number of them exhibit reluctance to be present.” I understand. They are those who compete in sports at a high level as a vocation. The individuals strongly preferred to avoid being in the presence of medical professionals at a healthcare facility on the day of the event.

If necessary, drivers will undergo neurological testing.

“We can usually complete this entire exam, which is highly efficient, in approximately 5 minutes, possibly even less,” Stanton stated.

What if there is a driver who is concealing any symptoms that could hinder their ability to participate in the race?

“Many of these tests are impervious to deception,” Stanton stated.

Jones absorbed the whole force of the impact, a collision that would have been significantly more severe if not for the robust vehicles and cushioned barricades. NASCAR transported the Toyota vehicle to its research and development department for further examination.

NASCAR Driver Erik Jones Defends Medical Treatment Following Wreck At Talladega

“I believe that NASCAR has received some negative criticism this week, particularly regarding the Next Gen car,” Jones stated. However, I believe the car fulfilled its purpose.

Corey Heim will replace Jones in the No. 43 Toyota, and there is no specified timeframe for Jones’ comeback. Legacy also has a permanent position for John Hunter Nemechek. Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR champion, rarely participates in races like the one at Dover on Sunday. He now holds the record for the most wins with 11.

If necessary, Heim will substitute for Jones again next weekend in Kansas. Johnson did not rule out the possibility of substituting for Jones.

“I am experiencing an improvement in my well-being with each passing day,” Jones stated. I have a meeting scheduled in the upcoming week, and I will base my decision on the outcome of that meeting.”

SOURCE – (AP)

Indianapolis —Caitlin Clark made an impressive entrance into the NBA playoff event on Friday night, earning a standing ovation from the spectators in her new home—twice.

She intends to replicate the experience in the same location in September.

Before Game 3 against the Milwaukee Bucks, the WNBA’s top draft pick and the all-time leading scorer in Division I basketball energized the enthusiastic Indiana Pacers fans by operating a replica IndyCar at high speed.

Caitlin Clark Revs Up Pacers Fans With Pregame Playoff Appearance In IndyCar Replica

Clark made her inaugural public appearance on the Gainbridge Fieldhouse court following her recent selection by the Indiana Fever in the draft. Unsurprisingly, the almost 17,000 spectators erupted into a boisterous ovation for the latest sensation in the city.

While Clark remained silent, Erica Wheeler, an experienced guard, had the opportunity to speak when she joined her new Fever colleagues during the second quarter to distribute T-shirts to the audience.

“Playoffs!” When questioned about the goal for this season, Wheeler informed the team’s emcee. “We are eager to engage in this activity and we possess all the necessary components.” We desire for it to appear in this manner on a nightly basis.

Indiana could create that impression only if it achieves its first playoff participation since 2016.

Caitlin Clark Revs Up Pacers Fans With Pregame Playoff Appearance In IndyCar Replica

However, Clark’s presence has already prompted a transformation. The Fever has quickly become one of the most popular teams in the WNBA, much like during her time at Iowa when they consistently sold out games and achieved record-breaking television ratings.

Indiana has experienced a significant increase in ticket sales, prompting other clubs, including the two-time defending WNBA champion Las Vegas, to relocate their home games to larger arenas even before the player has made her professional debut.

Caitlin Clark Revs Up Pacers Fans With Pregame Playoff Appearance In IndyCar Replica

Clark traveled to Indianapolis last Wednesday to attend an introductory news conference and returned to her Iowa residence with her family. On Friday night, she returned to town for the Pacers’ first home playoff game since April 21, 2019, and will remain there for the beginning of training camp on Sunday.

SOURCE – (AP)

MEXICO CITY — The upcoming matchup between the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies will mark the seventh regular-season series held in Mexico. However, Major League Baseball’s influence in the country extends well beyond that.

In 2016, Mexico established an MLB office, making it one of just six countries worldwide to have such an office. For Rodrigo Fernandez, the leader of the organization located in the southern region of the country, the regular-season series may be the most significant occasion, but there are other events held in the country.

One of these programs is First Pitch, which is run by the MLB office to encourage children to play baseball. Another tournament is the MLB Cup, a nationwide competition for 11—and 12-year-olds that recently concluded its sixth championship.

“The series is the culmination of our many activities throughout the year,” Fernandez told The Associated Press. ESPN televises the MLB Cup, the largest competition of its kind in Mexico. Those children represent the future of Mexico.”

MLB Presence In Mexico Goes Beyond Just Hosting Another Regular-Season Series

The MLB office in Mexico organized the tournament in collaboration with the Mexican Baseball Association, featuring 28 teams. The championship matches took place in Mexico City.

Our intention is to convey to them that we have a genuine interest in their participation in baseball. According to Fernandez, many will likely be recruited by the Mexican Baseball League. Additionally, they will represent the national team in their respective age categories.

Since its establishment in 2016, Fernandez has served as the only director of the office. Prior to assuming his current role, he was the general manager of operations for World Wrestling Entertainment in Mexico and Latin America.

In addition to Mexico, Major League Baseball has offices located in London, Tokyo, Beijing, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The office is located within a high-end tower directly connected to the posh Artz Pedregal shopping mall in the city’s southern region.

While Fernandez’s stance remains unchanged, certain MLB objectives in Mexico have changed. 2016 MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his interest in expanding the league into Mexico. However, one year ago, Manfred explicitly stated that he had never considered Mexico a potential area for expansion.

MLB Presence In Mexico Goes Beyond Just Hosting Another Regular-Season Series

“Commissioner Manfred is strongly dedicated to Mexico and has a keen interest in its development. However, various factors have prompted us to alter our strategies, and our current focus is on strengthening the local leagues,” Fernandez stated.

The MLB office in Mexico currently collaborates closely with the Mexican Baseball Federation and is actively seeking to establish a stronger alliance with the Mexican Baseball League under the leadership of league president Horacio de la Vega.

Under de la Vega’s leadership since 2021, stadium attendance in the league has risen, and the games are now televised nationally and available on streaming platforms. This has contributed to the proliferation of the sport among a new cohort of enthusiasts.

“I believe that fan attendance has risen. Previously, there used to be a significant number of elderly individuals in the park,” stated Carlos Hernandez, a 63-year-old supporter, before a match between the Diablos Rojos and Tigres in MeThereently, there is a larger fanbase, particularly among the younger demographic.”

As per Othon Diaz, the president of Diablos Rojos, 53% of the team’s fanbase consisted of individuals aged 55 years or older nine years ago. Presently, the majority of the team’s fans, accounting for 74%, are under 45. Furthermore, spectators at every game increased from an average of 3,000 to 11,000.

For a subset of dedicated enthusiasts, the presence of an MLB regular-season series is enjoyable but limited to those with the financial means to attend.

Fernandez said that tickets for the Astros-Rockies series were completely sold out within one hour, resulting in a significant surge in the resale market prices, ranging from $70 to as high as $580.

“The show is of high quality, but the ticket prices are somewhat expensive.” “By opting for the most affordable option, one could attend (to witness the Diablos Rojos) for a duration equivalent to half of a season,” stated Hernandez, who accompanied his wife and two boys to watch the Diablos.

MLB Presence In Mexico Goes Beyond Just Hosting Another Regular-Season Series

In August 1996, Mexico hosted its first MLB games in Monterrey, where the San Diego Padres played against the New York Mets. In 2018, the Padres competed against the Los Angeles Dodgers. 2019 the Cincinnati Reds competed against the St. Louis Cardinals, while the Houston Astros confronted the Los Angeles Angels.

The 2020 series between the Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks, which was scheduled to take place in Mexico City, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. In the previous year, the Padres competed against the San Francisco Giants.

Fernandez has stated that regular-season games in Mexico will be held until 2026, although not necessarily at the same location. Meanwhile, efforts persist to promote baseball’s proliferation in the nation.

SOURCE – (AP)