~~~ Update On Pete Claas #45 ~~~

[GlamisGurlie]

I just came from visiting Pete in the hospital - he looks absolutely fantastic! His spirits are high and he just can't get over the outpouring of support from everyone ... He asked me to pass on a very heartfelt and emotional thank you to all of the racers, teams, crews and friends - new and old - and everyone who helped out at the accident, as well as for all of the kind words, flowers and phone calls he has received ... He had the rods placed in both legs and they have already had him up trying to walk since Monday ... He'll go through 2 weeks of physical therapy - not sure if it will be here in Vegas or at home in Havasu, and then it will just be a matter of time before he is back picking up where he left off... His 19-year-old son who was co-driving with him is doing okay also and he, his brother and his wife are taking care of the family business while Pete is recovering...

He also wants everyone to know that what happened out there was purely an accident - no one was at fault - it was just a freak thing that happened - and told me that God must have some sort of plan for him lol... What great news - whew!! If anyone would like to call or visit, he is at UMC Hospital Las Vegas, 4th Floor, Room 418, Bed #2...

[Disco_Chief]

Great to hear an update. We were sharing main pit with him and it was a very surreal moment tunning into the BITD chanel with Pete's friends and family all gathered around waiting for confirmation that he was involved and then waiting to hear how he was doing. Pete is an awesome guy and can't wait till he is back out on the course or helping us in one of our pits like he did @ Parker and Vegas to Reno

[chuckharrisjr]

I dont know pete personally but very glad to hear he is doing good, I cant imagine the emotions his son must have felt being there, or his family and crew to hear the news over the radio...scary

[johnnyweb]

thats great news!! hope you recover quickly pete!!

[kevin bedrock graves]

hope you have fast recovery pete and glamis gurlie your a sweetheart.

[GlamisGurlie]

awwwe, thanks Kevin - now you're makin' me blush :o ... I would do whatever I could for anyone in this vast racing family we all share - whether I've met them or not - and I'm sure it holds the same for everyone else out there ... And on another note, SNORE is setting up a trust account for donations to help the Claas family out... We are starting it off and anyone who wishes to pitch in, please do so... I should have the info tomorrow and will post accordingly... Pete was also just over half-way done building a beautiful Class 1 3-seater and was so excited about it when he was coming thru Tech last weekend showing me pictures - like a teenager with his first hot-rod :D , so maybe if anyone who lives in the Havasu area has some spare time in the upcoming weeks to help out with that project, this may be another avenue... I know it's the holidays and money can sometimes be tight - the next best thing to give could be your time...

[hammer down racing]

I saw the car sunday afternoon and it is so close to being done. He planned to have it done by Parker but I think that will be postponed for a little bit. Pete and Billy Gereghty (sp?) are doing an awesome job. Pete is a fighter and you all will probably see him sometime next year. The whole Claas family will go out of their way to help anyone and truly love off road racing. Get well soon Big Pete.

[jeff]

Way to go Pete! After hearing about the accident on the radio the rest of the day was pretty solemn... so this is great news to hear!

Mahalo Gurlie for the update.

Aloha

[GlamisGurlie]

This was posted on the SNORE checkpoint tonite: :D

2109)
Pete Claas #45
idealpools@citlink.net
Location:
UMLV
Sunday, 11. December 2005 06:36 PM Host: cm-24-121-76-128.lakehavasu.az.npgco.com

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UPDATE!!!
I wanted to let everyone know that I totaly apreciate all the help and support from everyone.All my vitals and levels are good I can move my toes and knees I also started physical therapy today (OUCH!!)If I can get a medical shuttle I should return home to Lake Havasu Monday the latest by tues where I will go sevaral weeks or months of rehab.I cant wait to be back in the drivers seat in the new Truggy!! Butt I cant say enough for all the support from everybody and Im on the road to recovery!! See You All Soon ! Thanks from Pete Claas #45

[J_Lothringer]

So for those of us that were not at the race what happened?? I personally know pete but dont have a clue as to what happened...............Thanks.......Jeff

[Josh_K]

Read the thread about the bitd henderson 400 a couple of weeks ago.

The short of it is that he was changing a tire and while out of the car and working on it another entree came by in the dust and rear ended them, running him over.

[GlamisGurlie]

Ok, here's the scoop: Pete and his son were stuck in a silt bed, with his son outside of the truggy waving racers away... They had put up the reflective triangles to try and let people know they were there, but it was way too dusty to see them ... Pete had just put his helmet back on to establish radio communication and let their crew know what was going on ... he heard a car coming, turned and saw a Class 1 go by, turned back around and right out of the dust came the Pro Truck - neither party had time to do anything to avoid each other... Pete was standing next to the truggy when he was hit... there was some damage to the truggy, but nothing too serious... This was a terrible, terrible accident and both parties involved have been in touch with each other and everything is good - they are all absolutely first class all the way, and I am proud to say I know them...

[J_Lothringer]

Thank you for the update Glamisgirlie...........As I said Pete is a buddy, and customer of mine and I hate to hear or see these things happen..........But I am glad to hear he is going to be ok.