2/22 Update: Billy Glidden’s medical condition has moved in a positive direction. Doctors have chosen against doing surgery on Glidden’s broken ribs, electing instead to allow them to heal on their own. He suffered five broken ribs and bruised lungs when his 2010 Mustang Pro Modified entry experienced severe tire shake and made an abrupt right turns and impacted the right side retaining wall. The damaged race car then shot across the track where it impacted the left lane retaining wall before coming to a stop in the right lane.

Glidden was knocked unconscious momentarily. Glidden has significant swelling in his back, but doctors believe this is normal for the trauma his body received. All cat scans came back negative for head injuries. Glidden will remain in the hospital for two more days, as doctors monitor for blood clots. He remains in stable condition, with positive spirits and according to Shannon, was trying to watch the Indiana University basketball game.

“We cannot say thank you enough to the friends and family members who have offered prayers and support during this tough time,” Shannon said.

2/21 P.M. Update: Pro Modified racer Billy Glidden is in stable condition, and resting as comfortably as can be expected following an accident this afternoon while testing his 2010 Mustang at Orlando Speed World Dragway in Orlando, Fla. Glidden who was transported to Orlando Regional Hospital, where doctors have performed multiple x-rays and cat scans. Prliminary test results have confirmed five broken ribs and bruised lungs at this time.

Earlier: Veteran drag racer Billy Glidden was involved in a racing accident today while testing at the Orlando Speedworld Dragway in Florida, media sources in the area are reporting. Glidden is reported to have encountered severe tire shake around 80 feet off the starting line and lost control of his Pro Modified Mustang, striking both retaining walls before coming to rest. According to sources, Glidden was briefly knocked unconscious but was awake and alert when being evaluated by track safety personnel. He was cut from the car to be transported to a local hospital after complaining of back pain, but was moving his arms and feet.

Fire and police responded to the scene at around 2:30 p.m. and were seen from WFTV9’s news helicopter evaluating the scene. We’ll have more information on this story as information becomes available.