(Newser)
–
Danica Patrick, racing's rising star, clipped a crew member yesterday during practice for the Indianapolis 500. Patrick—who became the first woman to win an Indy Car race last month—struck the 63-year-old mechanic in pit row with both left tires and sent him flying through air, the Indianapolis Star reports. He suffered a concussion and bruises but is otherwise OK. Meanwhile, drivers compete for the pole position today for the May 25 race.
“It’s really, really unfortunate what happened," said Patrick. "Thoughts and prayers are with him, with his family, and hopefully he can get back to the track soon and be able to do what he loves.” She declined to discuss how it happened. “She must have hit him big-time, then he walloped the ground,” said witness Mario Andretti. “It was like, bam!”