Chris Hacker, a part-time competitor in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ranks, is in stable condition following being involved in a traffic accident on Wednesday afternoon in South Carolina.
According to a statement from Hacker’s representatives, a semi-truck crossed the center line and collided head-on with Hacker’s Ford Mustang. Following the accident, Hacker was transported to Prisma Health Medical Center in Columbia, SC.
Hacker, 24, underwent emergency surgery after CT scans showed numerous injuries. According to the statement, Hacker is expected to have a full recovery.
The statement says that the driver is in good spirits despite the scary situation.
“Chris is in good spirits and his family has flown to South Carolina to be with him. He will remain in the hospital while he recovers but hopes to be able to return home in the coming weeks. He appreciates everyone’s thoughts and prayers and looks forward to a speedy recovery and getting back to the track,” the statement concluded.
Hacker was en route to Daytona Beach, Florida, the site of this weekend’s NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series races. Hacker was not on the entry list for any of the events but was going to serve as a mechanic for the Joey Gase Motorsports NASCAR Xfinity Series team.
The driver had been reinstated by NASCAR back in October, 2023 after a two-month suspension for a DWI. Hacker, who earned his place back in the sport by going through the NASCAR Road to Recovery Program posted on X that he was officially six months sober on Wednesday.
6 months sober, 6 months healthy ?
I can’t thank everyone who’s supported me along the way enough. pic.twitter.com/QTS5EFxzT2— Chris Hacker (@chrishacker_) February 14, 2024
Hacker had not announced any driving plans for the 2024 NASCAR season yet, but the focus now will obviously be for the driver to recover from the injuries sustained in the traffic collision on Wednesday afternoon.