Wednesday, April 23, 2003 Update on Injured Ocala Speedway Driver Leo "Mac" McCullough by Dave Westerman Although he his suffering paralysis from the chest down, there is some good news to report on Ocala Speedway Super Late Model driver Leo "Mac" McCullough. McCullough is now able to move his arms and wrists and has begun to have movement in his hands. Less than a week after his horrifying crash at Ocala, McCullough is already sitting up, eating solid food, and is capable of feeding himself. Brain function is normal and he is able to breathe on his own although he does require oxygen from time to time. Initially, doctors expected McCullough to be hospitalized for at least a year, but the improvement has been such that he may be able to go home and begin needed therapy in only a month. McCullough remains in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Shands Hospital in Gainesville and is not allowed visitors, however the family has been overwhelmed by the concern shown by race fans and fellow competitors and is appreciative of their support and prayers. McCullough was injured last Friday night during lap 47 of the Super Late Model feature when his car slammed into the turn one wall at a 90 degree angle with the throttle hung wide open. The car hit with such force that the right front wheel assembly and parts of the frame were left imbedded in the wall itself. Track EMT's were credited with saving McCullough's life as he stopped breathing at one point after the crash. Track Manager Tim Christman praised the work of the EMT's. "They were cool under fire and did their job just like they are trained to do. We spend extra dollars to insure our track is staffed with top-notch emergency personnel, not only on race nights, but for practice and on days we rent the track out. Last week it paid off... they saved a life," he said. Anyone wishing to send a note or a card to Mac McCullough can do so by sending it to Leo "Mac" McCullough, C/O Ocala Speedway, 9050 NW Gainesville Rd, Ocala, FL 34482. Or you can send your message by e-mail to Mac at info@ocalaspeedway.com. All e-mails will be printed and forwarded to Mac McCullough. In lieu of getting Mac a card, track officials will have the undamaged hood of Mac's racer available Friday night for fans, drivers and crewmembers to sign. The hood will then be presented to the McCullough family later in the week. Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! <news@karnac.org>or send a letter to the editor!