Phil Hellmuth Hurt in Racecar Crash; WSOP Performance in Jeopardy

[Mika Ollila]

On the eve of the World Series of Poker, Phil Hellmuth crashes racecar, jeopardizing
performance at the world's biggest poker tournament and a possible 12th WSOP bracelet.

(PRWeb) July 10, 2007 -- The poker world is holding its breath today after a freak accident on the Las Vegas strip in which poker legend Phil Hellmuth lost control of his high-speed racecar.

Hellmuth had spent the day testing the 200 mph racecar in the Nevada desert. Upon approaching his hotel, the 11-time WSOP bracelet winner lost control of the vehicle and crashed head-on into a pole.

While the racecar was totaled, witnesses report that Hellmuth was conscious as he left the vehicle unscathed but visibly shaken. According to one onlooker, Hellmuth quipped, "Well, you can't win every race."

With the Main Event of the World Series just hours away, it's still unknown whether the UltimateBet pro will recover in time to vie for the Main Event title and a 12th WSOP bracelet.
"I'd be amazed if he was able to play poker today after such a high-speed collision," stated eyewitness Brian Balsbaugh of Poker Royalty. "He had severe whiplash."

Hellmuth's Main Event start time was scheduled for 12pm on Monday, July 9th. While friends are no doubt praying for a quick recovery, foes are likely relishing in his misfortune. After all, Hellmuth's absence from the floor at the Rio Hotel & Casino definitely makes the playing field a lot less fierce.

[Fictive]

I saw that collision on rawvegas.
Raw Vegas - Las Vegas video news, events, shows, reviews, celebrities, and more. Behind the scenes, on demand, video.

I wouldn't exactly go as far as to say it was a high-speed collision, funny though. Well, he did end up being just fine and playing in the event, only to bust out after a few hours.

[Mika Ollila]

I wouldn't exactly go as far as to say it was a high-speed collision

Yeah doesn't look at all that bad from the video compared to the picture. Good thing he was ok though. World needs good players, even whiners

[Fictive]

Yeah doesn't look at all that bad from the video compared to the picture. Good thing he was ok though. World needs good players, even whiners

Indeed. Besides, Hellmuth is always entertaining. Not only is he a great player, but you just love to hate him.

[Jonathank]

ok im done..sorryif you wanted to see that spam....then im in the wrong

[CardChick]

I had not heard about this. Must go check out the story.

[PDXracer]

Does not look like that bad of a hit, but being around motorsports for 15 years as a race official, these kind of hits, ESPECIALLY in a Nascar type tube-framed chassis, can lurch your body forward into your belts pretty hard. (He probably had sore neck/collarbone from this impact)

[kj97rox]

Yea I remember watching that when they were showing the WSOP event and I was laughing my ass off! so funny. he is stupid sometimes.

[indomundo]

starts 650, ask 4 rest