Brad Keselowski Racing driver Austin Theriault announced through his Facebook page Tuesday evening that he hasn’t been medically cleared to return to NASCAR Camping World Truck Series competition for Friday night’s race at Texas Motor Speedway or next week at Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway.
Theriault is still recovering from a 10 percent compression fracture of his back suffered during a freighting crash into an unprotected concrete barrier at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway on Oct. 3.
The 21-year-old says doctors remain upbeat about a possible return at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway, the series’ season finale on November 20.
“Though the season’s not over, we’ve had a great year,” Theriault said on Facebook. I remain grateful for the opportunity to drive the No. 29 this year. Working with everyone at BKR has been immensely rewarding, both professionally and personally.”
Theriault said last week he was optimistic to return to driving duties of the No. 29 Ford at Texas Motor Speedway, the same day that Austin Cindric, son of Team Penske president Tim Cindric was announced to fill-in at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The 17-year-old finished 25th after being spun late in the race while running in the top-10.
It was at that same announcement team owner Brad Keselowski noted during a media availability at the NASCAR Hall of Fame that Theriault’s head-and-neck restraint system broke at the time of impact.
“We learned that we know a lot less about safety than we thought we did,” Keselowski told ESPN.com. “And that’s very scary. … The HANS device broke; his helmet took major impact. The steering wheel broke part of his helmet. All major impact areas.
“The transmission and bell housing came into the cockpit. These are major issues that we just got really lucky on. Point-blank: Anything else goes a little bit further, and he’s not standing here.”
Theriault also addressed his plans for 2016, which comes after Brad Keselowski Racing announced Tuesday night on FOX Sport’s 1 Race Hub that teammate Tyler Reddick will return to drive the team’s No. 29 Ford, while Late Model ace and current series rookie Daniel Hemric jumps from NTS Motorsports to fill the seat of the team’s No. 19 Ford next season.
“I am certain that the injury will not affect my plans for 2016,” added Theriault. “Unfortunately, due to lack of sponsorship, I don’t have any full-time opportunities. Staying positive is one of the lessons I’ve learned in life so far and especially the past few weeks. So I remain encouraged that we will partner with the right sponsors, and the right racing opportunities will open up.”
On Wednesday afternoon, Motorsport.com said that Blaney was expected to drive the No. 29 in Friday night’s WinStar World Casino And Resort 350k at Texas Motor Speedway. The status of the team for Phoenix is still unknown.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
