Power breaks vertebrae, sustains concussion
August 22, 2009
SONOMA, Calif. (AP) -Will Power of Team Penske was still being evaluated at a hospital Sunday, a day after breaking two vertebrae in his lower back and sustaining a concussion during a crash in practice for the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma.
Power collided with Nelson Philippe of Conquest Racing during practice Saturday. Philippe also sustained a concussion along with an open fracture to his left foot that required surgery.
The 28-year-old Power, a former road course specialist who finished fifth in this year's Indianapolis 500, crashed into Philippe coming out of a blind corner at Infineon Raceway.
Team Penske said it's too early to say whether Power will miss the remainder of the season.
We just don't know yet,'' team spokesman Merrill Cain said. ``We don't want to speculate.''
Cain said both he and owner Roger Penske spoke to Power by phone Sunday morning.
He's in pretty good spirits,'' Cain said. ``He knows he's obviously still involved on our race team. A lot of people are thinking of him.''
Power, Penske's third driver, was airlifted to nearby Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, while Philippe was taken by ambulance to the same hospital. No new driver will fill their seat for Sunday's 75-lap race.
Philippe lost control at the top of the hill on Turn 3A, and the front end of his car was initially clipped by E.J. Viso. Power arrived moments later and couldn't avoid an ugly crash, hitting Philippe's car broadside.
Power was 16th on the season points list with 209 coming into the event.