78G impact caused concussion and back contusions
source:
irl.racing-live.com
Defending Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Rice was
released from Methodist Hospital Thursday morning following an overnight stay
for observation after a Wednesday practice crash. Rahal Letterman Racing is now
preparing to have Rice back in a car and turning laps at the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway next Wednesday.
Rice suffered a severe back contusion and a mild concussion in Wednesday's
accident as he prepared for the 89th running of the 2005 Indianapolis 500. Due
to the mild concussion Rice will be forced by the IRL medical staff to sit out
at least seven days, which means he will not be able to compete this weekend in
the race for the pole.
Rice's availability for the race will be determined next week by Dr. Henry Bock,
director of medical services for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before he is
allowed to return to testing.
"I slept pretty well last night and I had a bunch of the team and some friends
over in the evening and that was pretty cool," Rice said after being released.
"Overall, I am sore but I feel okay. I'm just going to relax (Thursday) and come
to the track on Friday. I plan to see Dr. Bock and see what he says about my
condition. But right now I'm anxious to get back in the car."