Driver Andrew 'Fishtail' Fisher has been sidelined by a debilitating back condition.
Just weeks from the season opener of the Yokohama V8 Utes at Adelaide's Clipsal 500, 'Fishtail' has a problem with the muscles at the base of his spine, making even the simplest actions unbearably painful.
"I've had a virus which has caused tissue damage and allowed the muscles to come away from my spine," says Andrew, ". I am doing everything I can to look after it, but it's healing slowly, and is extremely painful in the process."
'Fishtail' says not only will this impact on his ability to race the Jesus Ute, it's also affected his preparation for the event.
Motor racing is a physical sport requiring plenty of core strength to pull the Utes through those tight corners.
"I work hard to maintain my fitness so I can give 110% behind the wheel. My lower back has made it impossible for me to exercise for several weeks, so on a personal level, I am feeling under-prepared," says Andrew.
"I have been advised the only answer is rest, but with my busy schedule, it's almost impossible, so the only answer is to pray real hard!"