RPW Column By: MIKE TRAVERSE / RPW – CRAWFORD, NY – A well-known and well-liked personality on the Accord Speedway/Bethel Motor Speedway circuit is recovering in a Pennsylvania hospital after receiving serious burns on the face and neck last week.
Tony Garaguso (wearing the ARMY shirt above), more commonly known as Tony Gearhead around the Bethel/Accord pit area, is well known for his mechanical expertise and his work with Street Stocks and Pro Stock teams. Tony is always there to lend whatever help he can give to the teams and he is a very respected with the racers and crews.
Immediately after sustaining the burns, Tony was treated at the Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, N.Y. He was flown by helicopter to the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest Burn Unit in Allentown, Pa. where he is in stable condition.
Tony is facing a long period of recovery, but his wife, Janet Garaguso is very appreciative of how the racing community has rallied around Tony and herself.
“It’s been overwhelming all the messages of support from the racing community,” Janet said. “Eventually, he will feel up to responding to all the messages from family and friends. Right now, he needs his rest and time to heal to minimize the chance of infection. But he has improved since being treated here. I just want to thank the staff at LV Hospital for the wonderful treatment he is receiving. They are keeping him comfortable and he is stable. And the staff at ORMC was amazing. Thank you to all who have contacted and messaged about Tony.”
Tony Gearhead has always been there to support the racers. Now it’s time for the racing community to show their support for Tony and Janet with their good thoughts and prayers. Race Pro Weekly wishes you all the best Tony you go through your period of recovery.
