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."