Wendy Venturini

Pioneering NASCAR Broadcaster Begins Recovery After Freak Accident


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Last Saturday morning, Performance Racing Network broadcaster Wendy Venturini was jogging in Novato, California, when she was struck by a car. The scary incident, which was confirmed by president and general manager of PRN Doug Rice, resulted in a concussion and skull fracture.

Thankfully, Venturini is on her way to making a full recovery at Marin General Hospital, according to her husband, Jarrad Egert.

"Hopeful for a full recovery in six weeks," Egert wrote via Facebook post, as NBC Sports reported. "Wendy says plyometrics saved her life. Literally! She jumped as she saw the Miata appear going 20 mph out of the corner of her eye. She somersaulted over the hood, roof and trunk eventually coming to a stop on the pavement."

Egert continued: "No tears from anyone she said, it increases her head pressure from the fracture. Only positive vibes! She is thankful for the staff and care here in California and cannot wait to be released to return to Caleb and the rest of her family and friends. She is unable to fly due to the pressure of the airplane so we will be making a drive back east soon. Toyota has a motorcoach and driver waiting for us from the NASCAR weekend! We are in good hands! Thanks, everyone!!"

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As far as the cause of the incident, members of the Novato Police Department are still looking into it. Sgt. Nick Frey told NBC Sports that "impairment was not an issue" on the part of the driver, who is said to be cooperating with authorities.

When it comes to Wendy Venturini's broadcasting career, "trailblazer" is probably one of the first words that come to mind. In September 2014 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Venturini became the first woman to serve as a co-anchor for a NASCAR Cup race. She also became the first female broadcaster to call a nationally televised race from start to finish during the July 2007 Cup race at Sonoma Raceway.

Venturini has also reported on NASCAR for Fox Sports 1 and Speed Channel and has served as booth analyst for PRN broadcasts this year. Clearly, she's extremely talented and her presence behind the headset is surely missed.

Here's hoping Venturini makes a full recovery soon.

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