Reigning NASCAR truck champion Johnny Benson has been released from a Grand Rapids hospital three days after being injured in a fiery crash. The 45-year-old driver suffered burns and broken ribs after his vehicle collided with another car, slammed into a wall and burst into flames.The crash was Saturday during an International SuperModified Association race at Berlin Raceway in Marne, just northwest of Grand Rapids. Benson was taken to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, where he initially was listed in serious condition. He was upgraded to fair on Sunday and released Tuesday. [Following the accident] the Life EMS emergency response crew, along with Berlin Raceway officials and safety team, worked carefully to extract Johnny Benson from his race car. Benson was awake and alert during the process and gave race fans a wave when loaded into the ambulance. "He was pretty sore, but he seemed to be doing well last night when I talked to him," Johnny Benson Sr. said. "The car's driver side hit the wall hard, and it's a testament to the Hans (head and neck safety) device and the safety seat in the supermodified car that held him in place so well. I have to commend the safety crew and ambulance crew at Berlin Raceway for their quick response - they did their job well, putting the fire out quickly and taking care of Johnny." Benson Sr. said the fuel line was cut in two when it was pinched between the rear axle and the frame. The alcohol-based fuel that these supermodified cars use burns blue and very hot, and Benson managed to come out of it with barely any burns due to the quick response by the safety crew. The frame of the car was not bent badly, and all of the safety aspects of the car held up well, which allowed Benson to escape without major injuries.
He lost his full-time ride last week when Red Horse Racing shut down his truck team because it couldn't find sponsorship. In the same week, Red Horse Racing started a new truck team for driver Timothy Peters. Peters remained in the #17 Toyota but started using equipment from the #1-Red Horse Racing team. Some asked why the move? Sinple. Peters has a full time sponsor with him, Strutmasters.com and Benson does not. It doesn't matter that Benson is the reigning Champion; No Sponser, No Ride.
