Chris Elliot suffers ‘significant’ burns in crash at Maryborough Speedway
A much-loved Qld mechanic and speedway driver, flown to a Brisbane hospital with “significant” burns after a shocking track crash, is staying positive despite his “long road ahead”. LATEST.
Regional News
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Maryborough race car driver Chris Elliot is doing “better than expected” in his recovery from significant burns suffered in a shocking crash at the weekend.
The well-known mechanic and owner of Correct Auto Electrics was injured in a crash at the Tinana track’s V8 dirt mods and modlites event on Saturday.
Maryborough Speedway President Paul Swindells said on Thursday he had just spoken to Mr Elliot in hospital.
“He has a long road ahead but is in good spirits”, he said
“We never want to see anyone hurt on our track and it was very unfortunate for this to happen to a longtime supporter and sponsor.
“Everyone leapt into action after the crash and we know he is in the best hands.
“We wish him the best in his recovery and are thinking of him and his family”.
An initial statement from rescue service LifeFlight on Sunday, said the driver had “lost control of his vehicle”.
However, it’s now understood Mr Elliot did not lose control and was not at fault.
“Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics treated the driver for significant burns on scene,” a LifeFlight spokesman said.
“He was transported to a nearby airport where they were met by the LifeFlight helicopter, which had been tasked at 5.50pm.”
“The man aged in his 50s was flown to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a stable condition,” the statement read.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the Elliott family said Chris “had two operations on his hands with another one either at the end of this week or early next week”.
“He is in good spirits and the doctors are expecting a full recovery,” the family said.
“All other burns are not as serious but not sure on treatment on these yet.”
“We just want to say thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers... all the volunteers who assisted at the time of the accident, you did a sensational job”.
Earlier, a Facebook statement from Maryborough Speedway on Sunday wished Mr Elliot all the best with his recovery.
“Vitwood Maryborough Speedway extend their heartfelt thoughts and best wishes to their esteemed life member, long-term sponsor, and skilled racer Chris Elliot, who unfortunately met with an incident on the track last night,” the statement read.
“We are truly grateful for the unwavering dedication and selfless efforts of our infield volunteers and fellow drivers who sprang into action and ensured Chris’s safety.
“Our warmest thoughts and love are with Chris, Vanessa, and their family as we wish for Chris’s speedy recovery.
“We have no doubt that this resilient sportsman will bounce back and be back on his feet, ready to conquer the track once again.”
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Originally published as Chris Elliot suffers ‘significant’ burns in crash at Maryborough Speedway