Dean Thompson Transported to Hospital After Major Crash

FORT WORTH, Texas – TRICON Garage’s Dean Thompson was sent to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Saturday (April 1) following a nasty crash on lap 144 of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series SpeedyCash.com 250 at Texas Motor Speedway. As of this writing, the team has not announced specific injuries to Thompson, but it did indicate that he was “awake and alert” in the infield care center prior to his transportation.

Prior to the crash, Saturday was shaping up to be a career day for Thompson. He had qualified 16th, then drove himself up towards the front. He got as far forward as fourth and claimed 12 stage points on the way.

Thompson’s luck ran out when he hit the wall exiting turn 4 and spun. Drivers scattered to avoid the wreck, covering the track with grass and dirt. Matt Mills explained to Frontstretch that his brakes failed and that he could not see Thompson until it was too late.

Thompson was hit by Trey Hutchens and hit the wall. Armani Williams had run in the back of Hutchens and was also involved. Both drivers were able to walk away unaided.

Thompson was able to get out of his Thompson Pipe Group Toyota by himself. However, he immediately crumpled to the ground in significant pain. The AMR Safety Team put Thompson on a stretcher and took him to the infield care center.

Around 10 minutes later, TRICON Garage announced that Thompson had been transported. While there was some concern on the faces of some of the people connected to TRICON Garage outside of the care center at the time, there wasn’t a crazy sense of urgency. Once the news was known, members of the team collected his fire suit and helmet and left quietly.

UPDATE: Thompson has posted to Twitter from the hospital. He appears to be in good spirits.

Thompson is going through the proper steps in order to be declared good to go. While he seems happy, he’s more than likely bummed out after having such a good day.