Randy Couture Updates on Recovery Following Pro Mod Crash
UFC legend and aspiring Pro Mod drag racer Randy Couture has given an update on his recovery from a testing crash at Flying H Drag Strip in Kansas on July 9.
In a post to his Instagram account, Couture said he was recovering at home after a stint in the burns center at UMC Nevada. He also provided details about the scary moments where he lost control of the car.
“I did a great burnout, launched the car and it took off immediately to the left, towards the center line,” he said. “I overcorrected and that shot me into the wall on the right side of the track at about 200 mph. (The car) ricocheted and went all the way across the track to the left wall. That crushed the gas tank and started the fire.
“I popped my belts, popped the door open, and was halfway out of the car when the first EMT arrived. They pulled me the rest of the way out of the car and helped me get my helmet off. I did not realize at that time that I had been burned from the heat and probably invented a few new curse words.”
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As the adrenaline faded, the emergency team got to work on assessing Randy and the decision was made to airlift him to Grossman Burn Center in Kansas City.
“It would have been a 45-minute drive, or it was about a 15-minute flight. It wasn't a life issue, but certainly the most efficient and best way to get me to that emergency room. They got me stabilized, x-rayed my ribs, (I had) a couple of broken ribs on the left side. Then the burns treatment started, the debriding, all of that stuff, which is very intense.”
Couture was later moved to UMC Nevada to continue the burns treatment and his recovery.
“They took care of me great as a walk-in, got me a bed and I spent the rest of the week there,” he said. “They were awesome. (All the wounds are) all healing very, very well and thankfully (I’ve) avoided a graft, so far. And we keep moving forward.”
Couture did not add any information on whether or not he will resume the Pro Mod licensing process, but we certainly hope he stays interested and motivated in the sport.
“We'll make more decisions down the road as we get healed,” he said.
