Jerome Zimmermann, crew chief for RealTime Racing, is in ?extremely critical? condition in Milwaukee?s Froedtert Hospital, as a result of injuries received July 18, in a road accident.

Zimmermann, 36, of Milwaukee, was en route to work Friday morning when a car emerged from a side street and into the path of his motorcycle. The accident is currently under investigation.

He joined RealTime in 1993, has been crew chief for the team?s Acura Touring Car program since 1997, is responsible for the engine building, and has guided the team to multiple championships in the SCCA Speed World Challenge.

?Jerry is my good friend and one of my most-dedicated employees,? said RealTime Racing owner Peter Cunningham. ?He never gets down and always bounces back when we have a rough weekend. He?s an inspiration to our whole team.?

RealTime Racing?s three Acuras are scheduled to race Sunday at Infineon Raceway, near San Francisco.

?None of us want to go racing this weekend,? Cunningham said, ?but Jerry would want us to. Our goal now is to tightly-hold him in our thoughts, and to focus on the job of winning.?

Zimmermann has a passion for motorcycles, Cunningham said. ?He loves the freedom they provide, but as any serious motorcycle enthusiast should, he never, ever rides without full leathers and a state-of-the-art helmet.?

Saukville, Wisconsin, July 21, 2003

Jerome is seen on the far left of this photo

We here at The Temple of VTEC extend our best wishes to Jerry for a speedy and full recovery. Jerry is one of the best Crew Chiefs in the business, and a superb person all around. Please join us in offering our best wishes.