Dean Thompson, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver for the TRICON Garage Toyota team, was involved in a serious wreck during Saturday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway.
Thompson was driving the No. 5 Toyota when he struck the wall, causing the vehicle to spin back into the field. He was hit twice, once in his passenger door frame and once in his right front side. He was quickly treated on the scene and then taken to the infield care center for evaluation. Thompson was then transported to a hospital for further examination.
The driver later tweeted that he was doing okay and would be having a beer when he got home. TRICON Garage also confirmed that Thompson had been released from the hospital and would need clearance from NASCAR’s medical professionals to race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Hey y’all, I actually deleted Twitter to do a detox for about a month but I’m back lol. Just to update y’all I’m doing good, just getting some scans done then I’m gonna go have a beer when I get home!
— Dean Thompson (@deanthompsonr) April 2, 2023
Thompson continued saying, “Also thank you to everyone for all the love and support. Especially the infield care center nurses and staff. Truly blessed to be able to do what I do.”
In the end, Thompson finished 28th in the race. Carson Hocevar finished first, with Chase Purdy, Stewart Friesen, Ty Majeski, and Jake Garcia rounding out the top five.
The crash happened during the second day of racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Texas Motor Speedway, which is the second round of the series for the 2021 season. The first race of the season took place at Daytona International Speedway in February.
TRICON Garage stated, “Dean Thompson has been evaluated and released from the hospital. He will undergo further evaluation upon returning to Charlotte, NC, and will need clearance from NASCAR’s medical professionals to race at Bristol Motor Speedway.”
Drivers in the series compete on a variety of racetracks, from short tracks to superspeedways, and race in a variety of conditions, from day to night and from dry to wet. It is one of the most popular racing events in the US and has been since its inception in 1995.
Dean Thompson is leaving the track in an ambulance. Really hope he’s ok. pic.twitter.com/gZZHs5thbR
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthewCFB) April 1, 2023
