Northern Light IRL: Hamilton transferred to Indianapolis; Undergoes surgery

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

June 12, 2001

McGehee in good condition at Dallas hospital

INDIANAPOLIS - Indy Racing Northern Light Series driver Davey Hamilton is in stable condition at Methodist Hospital for injuries sustained in a crash on Lap 73 of the Casino Magic 500 on June 9 at Texas Motor Speedway.

Hamilton suffered severe injuries to both of his legs and feet when his car hit the fence exiting Turn 2 in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series event. His injuries include damage to bones, muscles and blood vessels, and circulation to his feet, according to Dr. Henry Bock, director of medical services for the Indy Racing League.

He was transferred Sunday afternoon from Parkland Hospital in Dallas to Indianapolis' Methodist Hospital by an air ambulance. Surgery at Parkland early June 10 and subsequent surgery at Methodist that night were directed at stabilizing the circulation and removal of damaged tissue. Early reconstruction of the multiple fractures was begun as well.

Subsequent surgeries will be directed toward further reconstruction of bone, muscle and skin. Hamilton is under the care of a team of specialist physicians led by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Scheid.

Hamilton, a two-time Indy Racing championship runner-up, was injured when his No. 99 Sam Schmidt Motorsports Racing Special Dallara/Oldsmobile/Firestone collided with Jeret Schroeder's No. 6 Tri-Star Motorsports Dallara/Oldsmobile/Firestone after Schroeder's engine failed.

Hamilton recently moved to Eagle, Idaho, his home state, after living in Las Vegas for the past five years. His family extends its appreciation for the support it has received but is requesting no visitors. All cards and letters should be directed to:

Davey Hamilton
Methodist Hospital
1701 N. Senate
Indianapolis, IN 46202

In another accident during the Casino Magic 500, Robby McGehee, from St. Louis, was injured on Lap 196. McGehee remains in Parkland Hospital in good condition after surgery early June 10 to repair a broken lower left leg.

Further updates of Hamilton and McGehee's conditions will be provided when available.

Text provided by Paul Kelly

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