Sat, 30 Oct 1999, 10:00 PM HOUSTON - Eddie Hill Condition Updated

By Larry Sullivan

BAYTOWN, Texas - Eddie Hill, driver of the Pennzoil Top Fuel dragster, was injured in a high-speed accident during qualifying for the 3rd annual Matco Tools SuperNationals presented by Racing Champions. Hill's engine disintegrated as he completed a qualifying run timed a t 4.605 seconds and 297.88 mph. Hill was transported to a local hospital where X-rays showed a compression fracture of the lower lumbar.

Hill remained in the hospital for further medical checks, including a CAT-scan of the back injury. Meanwhile, his team is making arrangements to rebuild the car damaged at the Texas Motorplex last Sunday in a similar accident so Hill can compete in the f inal event of the season, the Winston Finals at Pomona, Calif., in two weeks.

We will update Hill's condition and future plans as soon as reliable information is available.