McConnell proves mettle in latest podium finish

It is not very often that a rally driver experiences a crash the day before and comes back the day after to compete and secure a podium finish, but Jamaica’s Fraser McConnell did it.

McConnell crashed during practice for round three of the Nitro Rallycross at ERX Motor Park in Minnesota last weekend, went to the hospital for treatment and came back the next day to claim third place in the event.

“Being able to get to the podium after such a rough Saturday is great for everybody- my team, myself, sponsors- to show that it will take much more than that to take me out of the fight,” McConnell said.

“Going into the final race day was a victory in itself as I was able to drive. I left here (race venue) quite late, but the other guys didn’t sleep as they were fixing the car. Thanks to them I was able to even compete and the car was well built from Qev (Technologies) and Olsbergs MSE. It was difficult to get back in the car, but I was very motivated to go back out and show that I can bounce back from something like this.”

Before going into the race McConnell had to be cleared by doctors.

“I went to the hospital and did a full examination and I did an examination with the doctor at the track and was clear. Right from that we just started working on the car and making sure that we were able to race,” he said.

Despite being cleared to compete, McConnell said he was still feeling some discomfort.

“A little soreness in the neck and the back, but thank God no serious injuries and I am able to walk and operate at a high standard still,” McConnell explained.

He said although this was a thrilling experience for him, it is something he hopes he will never experience again.

“I wouldn’t really say I am using this experience for going forward. I hope I never experience something like that again, but it is good to reassure myself that no matter what happens I can still put everything aside and focus on the task at hand and go out there and show the world that Jamaica has what it takes to be the best,” he said.