By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Capco Contractors employee and Top Fuel Dragster pilot Dom Lagana has released his first public picture since his August crash. Lagana suffered a life-threatening injury in the crash near Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis in Brownsburg, Indiana.
Lagana was driving the Shitbox of Doom when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed. Richie Crampton and Jacob Sanders were involved in the crash, as well.
Crampton and Sanders were both released from the hospital a short-time after the crash.
Lagana; however, has been fighting for his life since early August.
“I am finally able to use my phone and wanted to come on here to say thank you,” Lagana wrote in a Instagram caption. “Thank you to everyone, who has supported me and my family through this difficult time. I’m just started to see some of the messages and videos that were created, and I feel so grateful. It’s a very tight knit racing community and this shows first-hand how we really are a big family. I can’t thank everybody enough. I was able to watch some of the past races online and seeing all the Lagana Strong t-shirts being worn is such a huge motivation for me.
“A very special thank you to my beautiful fiancée Sara for being with me in the hospital every day and taking care of me. And to my brother Bob for being there for me every step of the way. I know this wasn’t easy for them. I am so appreciative and couldn’t do this without them.”
Lagana also thanked Torrence Racing for their support during this difficult time. Steve Torrence had a Nitro Ninja wrap on his Top Fuel Dragster for a race following the accident.
“Thank you to the Torrence family and my Capco TR brothers,” Lagana said. “You guys are my family and always support me. Can’t wait to be back in the shop with all of you. Thanks to everyone, who has been there for Sara and Bob and our family to help them through this. Our friends and family are everything.”
“Also, a big thank you to the doctors and nurses from Eskenazi Hospital and now Kindred Hospital for taking such good care of me these last few months. It’s been a crazy year that I’m sure we are all ready to put behind us.”
Finally, in his message, Lagana talked about the recent death of NHRA crew chief Eric Lane. He was struck and killed by a vehicle in Mineral Wells, Texas.
“I also want to say that I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Eric Lane this past weekend,” he said. “My heart goes out to his family and there are in my sincere thoughts and prayers. Hop was very loved by all his peers and will be dearly missed.”
While Lagana wants to be back at a track soon, it’s going to be a long-time before that happens. He still has a long recovery in front of him.
“I have a long road ahead of me to my recovery, but I’m working hard and I’m extremely motivated,” Lagana said. “The positivity from everyone is what’s helping me progress and I’m determined to get back to the race track. I’ll see you all again soon.”