INDYCAR: Fittipaldi medical update 96-07-29

• tomh@motorsport.com (Tom Haapanen)
• MNI - Motorsport News International
• Tue Jul 30 10:51:49 EDT 1996

>From IndyCar media relations

EMERSON FITTIPALDI SCHEDULED FOR SURGERY TODAY IN MIAMI

DETROIT (July 29, 1996) -- Emerson Fittipaldi, who sustained multiple
injuries in an opening-lap accident at Sunday's Marlboro 500, is
scheduled for surgery Monday evening in Miami to repair a fracture to
the seventh cervical vertebra.

Dr. Terry Trammell, IndyCar Director of Medical Services, and Dr. Barth
Green, Department Chairman of Neurosurgery at the University of Miami,
will conduct the surgery on Fittipaldi at University of Miami Jackson
Memorial Hospital. Fittipaldi, 49, was transferred from St. Joseph's
Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Monday afternoon by air ambulance and
was accompanied by Dr. Steve Olvey, IndyCar Director of Medical Affairs.

Fittipaldi, who also suffered a partially collapsed and bruised left
lung and a fractured left shoulder blade, remains in serious but stable
condition. He is reported to be in good spirits. Dr. Olvey reported that
there are no further complications.

Fittipaldi was injured after contact with rookie Greg Moore on the
first green-flag lap (Lap 1 run under yellow for a false start) of the
Marlboro 500 at Michigan International Speedway sent him into the Turn
2 wall. He was initially airlifted from the track to Foote Memorial
Hospital in Jackson, Mich., but was later transferred to St. Joseph's.

Paul Tracy and Parker Johnstone also were hospitalized over the weekend
at MIS for separate incidents and have been released.

Tracy sustained a chip fracture of the Spinous Process (sixth vertebra)
and bruised knees Saturday as a result of a practice accident. He was
airlifted to Foote Memorial Hospital, spent the evening for further
observation and was released Sunday morning. He returned to his home in
Paradise, Ariz. Trammell said he plans to examine Tracy this week in
Indianapolis and a decision will be made regarding whether Tracy will be
cleared to drive Aug. 11 in the Miller 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car
Course.

Johnstone also was airlifted to Foote after a single-car accident late
in Sunday's race. He sustained bruised knees and voluntarily remained at
the hospital overnight for further observation. Johnstone was released
Monday afternoon and plans to compete in the Miller 200.

IC-13-96