Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Chris Ulrich underwent surgery Thursday evening to relieve compartment syndrome in his right forearm. The syndrome cuts off return blood flow from the lower arm and the hand, causing extreme arm pump and making the hand go numb.

Dr. Art Ting performed the operation at his Fremont, California clinic.

The syndrome was apparently masked earlier by Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, a shoulder-area problem Ulrich had surgically corrected in January. Ulrich has had right-shoulder-related problems for more than two years, starting with a crash during testing in early 2002, and had surgery to implant donor tendons in late 2002. He broke his right collarbone at Daytona in late February.

Ulrich encountered serious problems with his right arm pumping up and making his hand go numb during Formula USA races held Monday (Memorial Day) at Summit Point.

Ting said that Ulrich had a severe case of compartment syndrome, and that the surgery was a success.

Ulrich rides for Arclight Racing in the Formula USA Series.