Speed Technologies Chuck Dempsey Released To Race Off-Road

During a SuperLite test day on a very hot July Reno, NV afternoon, Dempsey got out of the truck and collapsed in cardiac arrest.  With full medical staff on duty for the test session, they immediately started CPR until life flight arrived.  Dempsey spent the next 7 days in the hospital with family and friends support.  “I am so thankful for the medical team that helped me in the immediate response, and all my family and friends that have been here to support me since,” said Dempsey.

A combination of heat and dehydration triggered his heart condition that is hereditary.  “When it came down to the ‘why’, beyond the hereditary condition, it was because I was dehydrated.  When we are out there racing we just put our foot down and don’t pay attention to our bodies, but it is important that we take time to drink water, eat and maintain a good balance,” said Dempsey.  He reflects if the same incident had happened in the middle of a desert race vs a short course race the results would have probably been dramatically different.  All Speed Technologies vehicles are now outfitted with defibrillators, and CPR training is mandatory for all team members.      

Chuck Dempsey who was in great physical condition, has made a complete recovery.  All of the tests with cardiologists are perfect and there is no sign of damage to the heart.  He completed rehab three times a week for over six weeks.  “The Doctors were tough on me,” laughed Dempsey.  “Here I was in a room with a bunch of guys twice my age doing these test and they kept increasing my stamina.  The Doctor said he would have released me on week 6, but ‘because of what you do, we are keeping you longer, its not like you are going to Baja on a cruise.’  That was right around the time I wanted to go to Baja to pre-run, needless to say I was not a happy camper.” 

Dempsey will be seen on the track very soon.  Speed Technologies had plans to run a Trophy Truck at the 2010 SCORE Baja 1000, but they could not successfully complete and test the truck prior to the race.

Dempsey will also continue to focus on hosting SuperLite Live TV.  To watch the coverage, see the highlight videos and sign up now to get the “On The Air” notices at http://www.justin.tv/superlitelive  (click Follow).

Speed Technologies Marketing Partners –  Exotic Engine Development, Fox Racing Shox, Lucas Oil Products, BFGoodrich Tires, Ringers Gloves, Safety Kleen, Baja Designs, VP Racing Fuels, StopTech Brakes, Method Wheels

About Speed Technologies:  Speed Technologies is a professional motorsports team founded in 2006 by John Harrah.  The team includes exceptional drivers on the short course tracks in Unlimited 2, Unlimited 4, Unlimited Lite, Super Lite and Trophy Kart, and in the desert in Class 1 buggies and a brand new Trophy Truck debuting later this year.

http://www.speed-technologies.com/