Derrick Lancaster was on the verge of a career day at Talladega Superspeedway.
Once again, the Christiansburg, Virginia native was upfront towards the end of Saturday’s race at Talladega. But with five laps remaining, Lancaster had an issue that sent him hard into the outside wall on the backstretch. The car rolled a small distance with smoke before the smoke became flames.
Lancaster attempted to get the car down off the racing surface and ultimately came to a stop in the infield grass at the entrance of turn three. Flames fully engulfed the No. 29 Toyota Camry before it came to a stop. The safety team was on the scene as soon as possible where he was pulled from the car.
Lancaster was brought to the infield care center before being sent to a local medical facility.
On Monday, Lancaster’s wife Beth updated the condition of her husband via social media.
“I want to thank everyone again for their prayers and support. Derrick remains hospitalized in critical, but stable condition, and he is still on a ventilator. The doctors say he will likely remain on the ventilator for another 2-4 days, but they will begin weaning him from it when the time is right. I will share another update tomorrow, and continue to lean on your prayers and support.”
UPDATE – April 28th, 2021
Lancaster’s wife Beth issued a statement via social media late Wednesday Night. The statement is as follows:
“Sorry this is a little later than usual, it’s been an eventful afternoon. Derrick is off the ventilator! He’s alert and knows he’s in a hospital in Alabama. God is so good! I ask you to continue your prayers as we still have a long journey ahead but that light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. We love you all!”
UPDATE – April 30th, 2021
Lancaster’s wife Beth issued a very positive statement via social media on Friday Night. The statement is as follows:
“Progress! Your prayers are helping. Derrick is in stable condition as he continues his recovery in the hospital. He started hydrotherapy for his burns on Thursday and his pain is well controlled as he’s working through physical and occupational therapy. As always the prayers and support are very much appreciated. To say we are grateful is an understatement. I want to thank everybody in the ARCA Menards Series garage for placing those No. 29 decals on their cars for tomorrow’s race. You will see them on the broadcast, which begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1. Derrick and I will be watching! I’ll update again tomorrow with any changes.”
UPDATE – May 4th, 2021
Lancaster’s wife Beth on Tuesday afternoon shared the following message via social media:
“Virginia here we come … We’re bringing him home.”
This article was originally published on April 24th and has since been updated with every update that was available.
Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography