Indy Car Driver Breaks Back on Sonoma Track
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Team Penske No. 3 driver Will Power has broken two vertebrae in his lower back and sustained a concussion after crashing into Nelson Philippe of Conquest Racing during a practice session for the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma.
Philippe also sustained a concussion along with an open fracture to his left foot Saturday.
Power crashed into Philippe coming out of a blind corner at Infineon Raceway. He was scheduled for an MRI exam later Saturday.
Power was airlifted to nearby Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Philippe was taken by ambulance to the same hospital, where he was undergoing surgery on his foot.
IndyCar officials say both drivers were reported to be awake and alert and were to be hospitalized at least overnight. They each withdrew from the race, meaning no new driver will fill their seat.
Copyright Associated Press
Posted Sunday, Aug 23, 2009 - 9:01 AM PST
