NASCAR Reconsiders How it Handles Concussion Testing

NASCAR is reviewing with its medical experts all aspects of how the organization deals with concussions, including baseline testing that the IndyCar Series and other contact sports use.

For Steve Park, testing can’t come soon enough. The former Sprint Cup driver suffered a massive brain injury in a 2001 Nationwide Series crash at Darlington Raceway. At the recommendation of NASCAR physician Jerry Petty, MD, Park took the ImPACT baseline test in 2003 after suffering a second concussion. Because Park was not tested previously for comparison, there was no way to determine the full extent of his injury. He has wondered for years why NASCAR hasn’t made the test a part of its pre-season health exam. For more information, click here to read the full release.