CALISTOGA, Calif. — Defending AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Series champion Robert Ballou has suffered a broken neck as a result of a crash in Saturday night’s Louie Vermeil Classic for non-winged sprint cars at Calistoga Speedway.

The event, sanctioned by the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, was a 30-lap race in which Ballou was dicing for the lead early on with eventual winner Ryan Bernal and Damion Gardner.

Ballou’s official Facebook page released a statement confirming the injury early Sunday morning.

“As many know Robert took a nasty ride tonight at Calistoga,” the statement read. “As of now we know he has broken his neck, with surgery likely needed, but at this time we are awaiting the next steps. Thoughts and prayers are appreciated as we wait. We will try to keep all updated as we can.”

Ballou won the USAC National Sprint Car crown last season on the strength of 13 wins, second-most in a single season in series history.

From Rocklin, Calif., his family-owned team is currently ranked second in this year’s USAC National Sprint Car points, behind only Brady Bacon in the quest to repeat as champion. Ballou has scored four wins to date this year, carrying the champion’s No. 1 as opposed to his usual No. 12 after clinching the title prior to the series finale last November at USA Raceway.

About the Writer

Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network.

Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.

The 22-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.

Email Jacob at: [email protected]

Follow on Twitter: @Speed77Radio or @JacobSeelman77

Email Race Chaser Online: [email protected]

Follow RCO on Twitter: @RaceChaserNews