IRL Drivers Doing Well After Crashes

03/26/96

United Press International reported that 4 Indy Racing League drivers injured in separate crashes over the weekend were doing well. Crashes during Friday's practice sessions sent three drivers to the hospital, and another one went after being involved in a crash during Sunday's race, the Dura-Lube 200.

During practice on Friday, Buddy Lazier was involved in a crash with Lyn St. James. Lazier sustained two fractures in his pelvis and another two in vertebrae. He was admitted to the hospital and, although he was soon judged to be in stable condition, he remained in intensive care until Sunday, when he was transferred to a private room. Lyn St. James was not injured in the crash and was able to start in Sunday's Dura-Lube 200 at Phoenix International Raceway.

Eddie Cheever and Stan Wattles were also hospitalized after crashing during Friday's practice session, but both were released on Saturday. Neither were able to race on Sunday.

Scott Brayton was injured in a crash that happened during Sunday's race. Brayton hit the wall in Turn 4 and was rushed to the hospital because of lower and middle back pain. He was treated and released by Sunday night.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel