Three IRL Drivers Unable to Compete Due to Injuries

03/25/96

United Press International reported that Eddie Cheever, Buddy Lazier, and Stan Wattles were unable to compete in the IRL's Dura-Lube 200 on Sunday, due to injuries sustained in accidents during Friday's practice sessions. Cheever and Wattles were held over Friday night in St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, although no significant had been diagnosed for either. Buddy Lazier spent Friday night in intensive care because of a broken bone in the back of his pelvis. All three drivers were in stable condition after arriving at the hospital.

Cheever, Wattles and Lazier joined Eliseo Salazar who sat out the race due to a broken femur sustained during a practice for the IRL's first race in January, the Indy 200 at Walt Disney World.

Lyn St. James was involved in one of the accidents on Friday but escaped injury. She was able to race on Sunday, but ended up withdrawing after 11 laps due to electrical problems.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel