Arnie Beswick Recovering After Weekend Accident
August 6, 2003 - Drag racing legend Arnie "The Farmer" Beswick is listed in critical but stable condition at St. John's Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. Beswick, 73, of Morrison, Ill., suffered serious burns following an exhibition pass at Mid-America Dragway in Wentzville, Mo., on Sunday, August 3.

An explosion, and subsequent fire in Beswick's car while he was stopped after making a run, resulted in burns to his hands, ankles and face, but vital signs are normal and X-rays of his lungs showed minimal to no damage.

Beswick has dedicated most of his life to racing Pontiacs, and after more than 45 years of competition, has earned a permanent place in Pontiac's motorsports history. Beswick first began his drag-racing career behind the wheel of a new Pontiac Chieftain in 1958.

A popular figure among four generations of motorsports fans, the Hall of Fame drag racer has maintained a hectic schedule in recent years racing Pontiac Super Stockers, Funny Cars and nostalgia door slammers. Beswick is a member of the NHRA Division 3 Hall of Fame as well as the Super Stock, A/FX and Funny Car Hall of Fame.

Cards may be sent to Arnie Beswick at St. John's Mercy Medical Center, 615 South New Ballas Road, St. Louis, MO 63141. Regular updates on Beswick's recovery will be posted on www.arniebeswick.com.

This weekend nearly 10,000 Pontiac enthusiasts will be in Norwalk, Ohio for the 12th annual Ames Performance Pontiac Nationals on August 8 - 10. Beswick well-wishers can stop by the Pontiac Motorsports display trailer on the Norwalk Raceway manufacturer's midway for a chance to enter a raffle for an autographed racing helmet signed by many drivers. Each raffle ticket is $5.00, with all proceeds going to the Beswick family to help offset medical expenses.