Violent Eldora Incident Leaves Reutzel With Fractured Foot

Aaron Reutzel suffered a fractured foot Friday night at Eldora Speedway and will be forced to miss time. (Chad Warner photo)

ROSSBURG, Ohio – Kubota High Limit Racing title contender Aaron Reutzel will be out of action for the immediate future after suffering a fractured foot Friday night at Eldora Speedway.

After starting third, Reutzel had worked his way up to second and was chasing eventual winner Rico Abreu when he hopped a rut entering turn one and tumbled into a vicious crash midway through the 30-lap Knight Before main event, sanctioned by the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.

As Reutzel’s machine flipped, it was hit by both sixth-running Zach Hampton and eighth-running Steven Snyder Jr., both of whom had committed to the high side of the half-mile dirt oval and couldn’t escape being involved in the chaos.

Snyder’s impact to Reutzel’s car was the more severe of the two, with the hit going right into the belly-pan area of the Ridge & Sons Racing No. 87 underneath the front axle.

Though Reutzel initially climbed out under his own power, he was guided to the infield care center by safety officials to be checked out before later being seen at a local hospital, where the fracture was confirmed.

Team co-owners Brian and Lisa Ridge noted there is no timetable for Reutzel’s return to racing at this point, nor has a decision been made yet as to whether a substitute driver or drivers may be utilized.

Reutzel was third in the High Limit point standings as of that tour’s most recent race – Thursday’s Joker’s Jackpot at Eldora – and sat just 23 markers behind series leader and defending champion Brad Sweet.

“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who reached out with their concern, calls, and texts following Aaron’s accident at Eldora Speedway last night. Your support has meant the world to us during this challenging time,” the team statement read.

“Our primary focus has been on ensuring that Aaron and his family are OK. We are relieved to report that Aaron has been discharged from the hospital, though he did sustain a fractured right foot. He will be seeing a specialist in the coming days to determine the next steps for his recovery. We kindly ask that everyone continue to keep Aaron, his family, and the entire RSR team in your thoughts and prayers. We will provide further updates as they become available.

“Thank you once again for your unwavering support, and please be patient while we make decisions.”

Amid one of the best season starts to his career, the 35-year-old Reutzel already had five sprint car wins on the year, including four with High Limit. His most recent victory was Wednesday at Eldora, in one of the twin Double Down Duel$ features which set the stage for the Joker’s Jackpot.

From Clute, Texas, Reutzel is a three-time All Star Circuit of Champions titlist and the 2015 champion of the 360ci American Sprint Car Series National Tour, widely considered one of the top drivers in the nation.

Updates on Reutzel’s status and the upcoming plans for Ridge & Sons Racing will be passed along as they become available.