ASCS Article

Roger Crockett
By: Shawn Miller

It was a close call for Roger Crockett.

Another week, maybe two, and he would have been forced to take dialysis for kidney failure. Instead, his kidney transplant on Nov. 11 at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Ore., has revitalized the Northwest sprint car veteran.

Crockett was in the hospital for six days, while his father, Brian, who was the donor, was released in approximately half that time. The younger Crockett said both are feeling great and despite limitations for the upcoming season, he expects to race in 60-65 events.

"Once I can exercise and get back into shape, I wouldn't see why I wouldn't be a lot better at the end of a race," said Crockett, who hopes his first race will be at the Mini Gold Cup at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif., March 13-14.

For the final month and a half of last season, Crockett said his kidneys were operating at approximately six percent. It was hard to stay hydrated and his energy dissipated quicker than his gas pedal hit the floor.

"You're body is working so hard just to keep going, it takes everything out of you," he said.

Crockett, who was born with deficient kidneys, was limited to lifting 10 pounds for the first six weeks following the surgery. He is now limited to 20 pounds for a couple more weeks. Also, for the first three months after the operation, Crockett has to give blood samples twice per week. For a six-month period after that, it will be once a week.

In addition to the bloodwork, Crockett has to take pills for the rest of his life. Exercising and a healthy diet are now even more important as well.

In his 12th year as a full-time racer, Crockett said the first year after the surgery is the most important concerning his health. He is unsure whether he'll head to Knoxville, Iowa, for the 360 Nationals and Nationals in the summer, and any road trips this season will be short because of his necessary doctor visits.

For now, Crockett's team -- sponsored by Omlid & Swinney Fire Protection & Security for a second straight year -- is slowly being built. They just got a new truck and trailer, and once Crockett receives a clean bill of health to lift more than 20 pounds, he'll be in the shop assembling the race cars.

Pretty soon his close calls will be on the track, wheel to wheel. Only now, Crockett, who estimated he has 108 career victories in a sprint car, will finally be healthy

2 months post transplant.

Hello all it's officially two months today from Roger's kidney transplant surgery. He is doing very well and looking forward to the up coming 2009 race season. I would like to thank everyone who donated money, and sent cards to the Crockett family during this tough time. I know that they personally enjoyed receiving the get well soon cards. It's nice to know that so many people care. Hope everyone is having a great 2009! Thank you all again!