Robert Ballou will miss eight weeks of the USAC National Sprint Car season after sustaining an injury in a crash at Bloomington Speedway. After further evaluation following the series biggest week of the year, doctors discovered fractures in T2, T3, and T5 vertebrae. 

“It is a tough pill to swallow because things had really turned around for the team and we had a ton of speed,” Robert Ballou told Petersen Media in a release Friday.

Though surgery is not needed on the injuries, a two month absence from racing to heal puts a hault to a good season Ballou was having. He ran up front all of Indiana Sprint Week and got his first win in 14-months with the series at Lincoln Park Speedway. 

“If there’s any way possible, even if it’s just for the final two races in Arizona, I’m going to try to get back in the seat for my fans,” he said. “But I also must be smart. I understand the risks of coming back too soon, and I won’t jeopardize my long-term health or my future in racing.”

“Luckily these are all new injuries and none of my back issues from the past were effected or worsened,” Ballou said. “But being forced to the sidelines is never easy, especially when you know how much work everyone around you has put in. I hate it for my team. I hate it for our sponsors. And honestly, I just hate not being behind the wheel.”

“I have some of the best fans in the world, and I truly appreciate everyone’s support this year, and I will do my best to keep the store loaded with fresh designs even though we won’t be at the track.” Ballou added.

For those wanting to support Ballou while he rests and recovers, the Robert Ballou Merchandise store will still have plenty of merchandise available at https://robertballou.myshopify.com.

“Not racing hurts, but knowing there are people out there who still believe in me and who still wear the shirts and hats means the world to me,” Ballou added. “It’s not a great time for a pause, but I will be back stronger than ever.”