LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Three days after Jean Theoret's unlimited hydroplane crash on the Ohio River, Theoret is optimistic he will be released in time for this weekend's 100th running of the APBA Gold Cup.
"I am glad to see the boat wasn't damaged too badly," Theoret said from his hospital bed at University Hospital in Louisville, Ky.
"My team has brought me pictures of the accident and have shown me pictures of the progress they have made in repairing the boat. I can't wait for the doctor's approval for me to get back to racing," he said.
Doctors are pleased with his recovery, but they continue to watch for infections caused by the ingestion of so much river water.
Theoret was driving the U-37 Miss DYC presented by Glacier Energy unlimited hydroplane into the first turn of qualification Heat 1-C of the Indiana Governor's Cup on Saturday when he hit the wake of another boat, causing the boat to violently crash -- landing upside down.
Rescue crews pulled him from the F-16 type fighter canopy and rushed him to a nearby hospital. He was stabilized and transferred to University hospital in Louisville.
If doctors do not clear Theoret to drive the U-37 Miss DYC for this weekend's race, the team is making contingency plans to race.
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