Jeff Gordon shares how Dr. Petty helped him in his...

Over the course of 5 many years, neurosurgeon Dr. Jerry Petty was a continuing presence in NASCAR, serving to drivers navigate troublesome accidents all through their careers. Sadly, he handed method earlier this week on the age of 90.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. referred to as him “a buddy to the NASCAR trade” who helped many throughout his prolonged profession as a medical skilled. Earnhardt was one in all many to share such sentiments, from drivers to homeowners and broadcasters alike. NASCAR on FOX’s Mike Pleasure and Larry McReynolds posted tributes to him, as did former drivers equivalent to Jeff Burton, Kyle Petty, Rick Mast, Max Papis, Phil Parsons, Todd Bodine and Matt Tifft. 

On Thursday, NASCAR legend and Hendrick Motorsports govt Jeff Gordon joined within the tributes, sharing his personal private story about Dr. Petty.

“I’m deeply saddened by the lack of Dr. Jerry Petty,” Gordon’s publish learn. “He was the individual I trusted most for something associated to the pinnacle, neck or backbone. He helped me by way of a few of the hardest moments, together with occasions once I was coping with extreme again ache. However what stood out much more than his medical experience was his kindness. After each arduous crash, he would test in — not simply as a physician, however as somebody who really cared. By means of his compassion and assist, he turned a pricey buddy. I’ll at all times be thankful for his steering, and I’ll always remember the affect he had on me and so many others in our sport.”

It was additionally introduced that every one 4 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolets will carry memorial decals on their automobiles this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, honoring Dr. Petty for his many contributions to the game. In an announcement, HMS referred to as him a “pioneering neurosurgeon and trusted medical guide to numerous drivers and groups” and “a beloved determine within the NASCAR group.” You possibly can see the decal under in Gordon’s publish: