SPRUCE GROVE, AB – The road to complete recovery continues for Bruce Broughton. “My life is slowly getting back to normal,” exclaims the 2010 Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series Champion, “feeling pretty good. I’m now back at work.” With a history of heart problems in his family, Broughton suffered a massive heart attack on July 4th. The 44-year old non-smoker endured a second heart attack while on the operating table. “It seems so long ago already [heart attack] but really I just have to flip the calendar back a few pages.” Broughton had angioplasty and three stents inserted and spent several days in intensive care. A majority of his recovery time was spent at home and at a small campground north-west of Edmonton. “I was pretty burned out when this happened. Taking the summer off and spending time at the lake was really good for my mental well being as much as my physical. This was a big eye opener as far as how short life can really be.” Broughton did manage a couple trips to the race track during his recovery to watch his fellow NPP Late Model Series competitors.

“I went to the Edmonton race when the NASCAR drivers were up [Race of Champions]. This is where I really missed being behind the wheel of a race car. Seeing Shawn Kennedy mixing it up with Kenny Schrader and Dave Blaney, I was a little jealous it was him and not me. I can’t lie.” Broughton returned to work on a part-time basis in late September.

“It was nice to see the guys again. It’s funny, you think that you are the cog in the wheel that nobody can do without and when something like this happens it’s amazing how people can fill in for you. It was awesome to see how the staff here [LJB Auto] reacted to the situation.” Doctor’s have already told Broughton he can expect a complete recovery. “This really made me appreciate my family and friends more than I ever had before. Take care of your health because you only get one shot at this and you better live life to the fullest.” Broughton hopes to be able compete in the NPP Late Model Series in 2014. “It’s a long ways a way between now and spring. I know I miss driving a race car. If my recovery goes as well as it has so far, I can’t see me not being behind the wheel of a car next season.”

BROUGHTON NPP SERIES STATS (2005 – 2013)
>> 2005 NPP Series Rookie of the Year
>> 2010 NPP Series Champion

79 – Race Starts
54 – Top 10’s
32 – Top 5’s
5 – Pole positions
8 – Feature Wins
42 – Heat Wins