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Danica's Car Hits Crew Member

Mechanic has concussion after accident in pit row

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 10, 2008 10:35 AM CDT

(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!”

Charles Buckman, a crewman for Dale Coyne Racing, is treated by crewmen and emergency personnel after he was struck by a car driven by Danica Patrick.
Charles Buckman, a crewman for Dale Coyne Racing, is treated by crewmen and emergency personnel after he was struck by a car driven by Danica Patrick.   (AP Photo/Tom Strickland)
Danica Patrick, left, and teammate Tony Kanaan, of Brazil, talk before the start of practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Danica Patrick, left, and teammate Tony Kanaan, of Brazil, talk before the start of practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.   (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Danica Patrick stretches before the start of practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Friday, May 9, 2008.
Danica Patrick stretches before the start of practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Friday, May 9, 2008.   (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Danica Patrick waits to qualify for the Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 auto race at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., Saturday, April 26, 2008.
Danica Patrick waits to qualify for the Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 auto race at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., Saturday, April 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Danica Patrick walks out of the pit area after her car struck a crewman.
Danica Patrick walks out of the pit area after her car struck a crewman.   (AP Photo/Tom Strickland)
Danica Patrick heads through the first turn during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Friday, May 9, 2008.
Danica Patrick heads through the first turn during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Friday, May 9, 2008.   (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
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