What year did Sterling Marlin break his neck?

Sterling Marlin's unfortunate neck injury during the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season had a significant impact on his career and the championship. 

The Incident at Kansas Speedway

On a Sunday at the Kansas Speedway in 2002, Sterling Marlin, the driver of the No. 40 Coors Light Dodge, suffered a non-displaced fracture of the #2 cervical vertebrae as a result of a hard wreck.

The injury occurred during a race when he was trying to pass the slower car of Mike Wallace and had to suddenly slow down, leading to contact with another driver and subsequently crashing into the wall.

Diagnosis and Impact

The fractured vertebra in Sterling Marlin's neck led to his cruel exclusion from the 2002 Winston Cup Championship title run-in.

This unfortunate event dashed his hopes for the championship as he had been leading the Winston Cup standings for 25 weeks.

His injury diagnosis came as a blow to his title aspirations, and the chance to compete in full health for the 2003 season was of scant consolation at the time.

Treatment and Recovery

Marlin was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of the #2 cervical vertebrae and was being treated by neurosurgeon Dr. Jerry Petty and spinal injury specialist Dr. Dom Coric at the Carolina Neurological and Spinal Injury Clinic.

Despite having to spend extensive time in a neck brace, Marlin was expected to return to his full duties as a driver of the Coors Light Dodge for the 2003 season.

Season-Ending Injury and Title Aspirations

The unfortunate injury meant that Sterling Marlin had to miss the remaining seven races of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season.

This injury not only ended his season but also dashed his impressive record of remaining in the top ten in Winston Cup points since the 2001 Daytona 500. 

Team Reaction and Future Prospects

Chip Ganassi, the owner of the racing team, expressed his disappointment at Sterling Marlin's season-ending injury and the impact it had on the championship points race.

Despite the setback, Ganassi and the team were expecting Marlin to make a full recovery and be ready to go for the title chase again in 2003.

Impact on Career and the Championship

Marlin's injury not only affected his immediate season but also raised questions about NASCAR's points system for injured drivers.

The incident significantly impacted his career and championship aspirations, as he had to relinquish the lead in the standings due to his absence in the remaining races of the season.

Sterling Marlin's neck injury during the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season had far-reaching consequences.

From being a title contender to being cruelly ruled out of the championship, the incident altered the course of his career and the championship standings. 

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