Ken Etter injured in an accident at Fontana

[Diz]

Ken - I haven't met you, but I want to wish you a quick recovery. I'll try to look you up if you go to Vegas. I want to add my name to the list of drivers who have had a push rod fall out. I did it many years ago at Bakersfield. I was able to slow down and make the last turn in my car, but it is truly a frightening and helpless feeling!

I broke my neck, leg, etc. in an accident with a '32 street roadster two years ago. You may have some of the same feelings I did during recovery. I wasn't depressed; I was just very, very grateful that the broken neck didn't damage my spinal cord. I have a very slight limp today, but I am still thanking God for not being paralyzed. Your accident puts mine to shame as far as impact goes, so look on the positive side and remember always how very lucky you are!

[Ken Etter]

Yes Diz I consider myself very lucky to come out with only the injuries I have. In the hospital I did have a moment of realization that I should have been dead after seeing the pictures. That passed quickly. The one thing I regret is the pain and suffering my friends and family has gone through. Knowing how much I scared and hurt them is the worst part. My hope is awareness has been raised and that NHRA will step up and show they are "Dedicated to Safety" as the decals and logo says.

[Jody Lang]

Ken, you have a great attitude after going through this deal. I hope to see you later this year.

The feature of Lambs master of the rod being retained makes it worth every penny.

I too had the rod slip down against either the snap ring or the body of the master. The pedal was rock hard, and I kept pumping the pedal (out of panic) and it somehow found its home. It was a friends car too. When I left the line the pedal arm pushed back the plastic brake/cruise control switches leaving room for the rod to fall out of the cup.

[Ken Etter]

Jody I hope to be back out at Vegas towards the end of the year. Depends on if my leg is healed by then. I was told that the brake rod was almost bent in half!! Guess I was still pushin on it pretty hard. I have my first checkup with my jaw surgeon today. Hope his report is good. Everyone be safe and be patient waiting in line at Indy. Been there done that!

[dartman]

Originally Posted by Ken Etter

That Lamb piece looks like s great idea. I guess it is why they have the best stuff. Hopefully everyone will take 5 seconds every month and give that brake pedal a tug. Ironically I had looked at the one in this car before Sonoma. I was going to put a 2step switch in. Everything appeared fine and there was a pedal limiting device in place with a hose clamp. The rod was stock with a rubber grommet on the end. My best guess is the clamp broke or loosened up. I tend to have a heavy brake foot so when I released the pedal it must have popped back hard enough to pull the grommet. I'm just thankful that I was driving and not the car owner. I have about 20 years and some size on him. Might have been a different outcome. My one hope is this has raised some awareness on these safety items and we can make these cars safer for us and the next generation drivers.

I'm going to order one of those Lamb piece and install it before my car hits the track in the spring.Your misfortune has open my eyes and hopefully more people,and may of save a life.Thank you.

[jmcarter]

Originally Posted by Ken Etter

Jody I hope to be back out at Vegas towards the end of the year. Depends on if my leg is healed by then. I was told that the brake rod was almost bent in half!! Guess I was still pushin on it pretty hard. I have my first checkup with my jaw surgeon today. Hope his report is good. Everyone be safe and be patient waiting in line at Indy. Been there done that!

Ken, going to make the Divisional? Would be great to see you make it back out this year; if not then you're still young and oh so fortunate to be alive.

[Red LeBlanc]

Ken .. Glad you are home and recovering .. Get Well Soon . Red Le Blanc

[Ed Fernandez]

Nice to hear you're well on the road to recovery.

[GTX JOHN]

I saw Ken at Nat's over Weekend and he looks pretty sore but he is getting around! He is a tough guy....That wreck would have killed me Dead on the spot. I welded up Holes in wrecked Demon engine/cleaned dirt/glass/battery acid out. It is now in my Demon......How is that for Recycling!

[Ken Etter]

Just a quick note to let everyone know how much I appreciate the support. I have been in Vegas the past week as a spectator. Its been great to get out of the house and see everybody at the races. I was tempted to race here but its probably smarter to wait untill I'm healed a little more. My recovery is coming along well but as a racer it is never fast enough! I will be here for the divisional also so stop by .Again thank you for all the support. Ken