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~ (Continued From Page 1C)became disoriented. I couldn't get out at that point because of the centrifugal force. But when I saw the water coming? back at me, I straightened outa rut lucked out of the cockpit. From thSSe everything is blank.”Fortunately Thompson’s years of experience paid off. His daring escape thrfw him out of the way of the heavy boat and saved his life. But the tremendous impact upon hitting the water injured the cervical nerve near his sixth vertebra. He spent just a few minutes in the water unconscious before rescue boats were on the scene.*i don’t remember anything until 1 woke up in the ambulance, he said.I didn't have any feeling in my hands and just a little in my left arm.Thompson was driven from Miami Marine Stadium by ambulance to Miami’s Mercy Hospital where he spent one day. Then, he was released and was driven back to Sarasota in his motor home. Naturally, he spent the trip in a prone position.He immediately was admitted toSarasota Memorial Hospital where heunderwent treatment until his releaselast Friday.Now I’m just hanging around, Thompson chuckled. I’m in this traction thing and it’ll be a while beforeI can go back to work.Although his permanent job as advertising director at Sarasota SceneMagazine remains secure, his futureas a hydroplane driver is uncertain.I don’t know when I’ll be driving again, said Thompson. I really don’t foresee quitting, although my family’s working pretty hard on me. Of course,. that’s quite natural at this point.The Mist will be repaired and sold. She really wasn’t suited as a ,360 as far as we could see. i’ll drive my outboards in some races. As far asinboards ... I don’t have a ride.”For now at least. Once he’s able to drive, the offers should come pouring in. Ted Thompson is a hydroplane driver with quite a reputation.The Miami incident isn't the only black cloud in his hydro career, but the good times still outnumber the bad.
Newspaper Details
Sarasota Journal
Sarasota, Florida, US
Wed, Feb 22, 1978
Page 27
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
FL, USA 27 Jun 2021
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