PDM Racing on John Paul Jr.'s Friday Crash

11 May 1997

PDM Racing update following driver John Paul Jr.'s accident Friday ,
May 9:

Comment from John Paul Jr.: (about the accident that occurred in Turn
4 ) "The last thing I remember is downshifting to 5th (gear) down the
backstretch.  The car felt fine up to that point.  We really don't
know what happened.  I'm so disappointed, especially for the team and
our sponsors.  The crew has worked so hard this month.  We all felt we
had a real chance to win this race.  We finally had a competitive
package.  I'm down but not out.  The glass is still half-full."

(John Paul Jr. will not require surgery on his injuries.  Once the
swelling to his lower right leg and left heel has gone down, it is
anticipated he will be fitted with casts.  It is expected he will be
released from Methodist Hospital tomorrow, Sunday, May 10.  He will be
out of competition approximately 7 to 8 weeks and anticipates a full
recovery.)

Comment from Paul Diatlovich, PDM Racing co-owner: "I applaud Tony
George, the IRL and the rules package that have been implemented.
John is in remarkable shape considering the horrendous impact he
sustained.  The integrity of the Dallara chassis held up completely in
protecting him. " NOTE: Paul Jr.'s near head-on crash into the Turn 4
wall was recorded at 87 Gs (force of gravity) , the most severe front
impact that's been recorded by the GM Motorsports Safety Technology
Research Program (MSTRP) since their impact recorders were first used
in the 1993 Indianapolis 500.

Status on the #18 Klipsch Tnemec Overhead Door Pyle V-Line Earl's
Dallara/Aurora/Goodyear:

The PDM crew is utilizing its spare tub to rebuild the car.  It is
expected to be ready for track action Wednesday, May 14 providing
there are no problems.


Status on the #28 Kelley Automotive Group Dallara/Aurora/Goodyear with
driver Mark Dismore:

The PDM team will run the #28 car in conjunction with the #18 car
beginning mid-week in preparation for the 2nd weekend of
qualifications.


Replacement driver for John Paul Jr.: The PDM team hopes to be able to
name the replacement driver by the end of the day tomorrow, Sunday,
May 11.  "We are exploring our options and will select the driver that
best represents PDM, our sponsors and the 81st running of the
Indianapolis 500," said Paul Diatlovich, PDM Racing co-owner.
"Whoever we select will know this is a temporary situation while John
Paul Jr. recovers from his injuries.  We want John back in the car as
soon as he's able."