DJ Down Under
08-04-2006, 09:42 AM
Poor Cristian Da Matta.... http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/champcar/30253/
DJ
Date 2006-08-03
By Motorsport.com staff writers
RuSPORT driver Cristiano da Matta was involved in an incident with a deer today at the Road America circuit, nestled in the countryside near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
The 2002 Champ Car (CART) champion was participating in an Open Test for the series on the 4.048 mile road course when the deer came out onto the racing surface in the third practice session and collided with the right side of the open wheel car before landing near the cockpit area.
According to the RuSPORT team release, "Da Matta collided with a deer that wandered onto the track, at approximately 3:08 pm CDT today."
The Brazilian, who had turned the third quickest time prior to the incident, joined the team prior to the Portland International Raceway event in mid-June. Last Sunday, he has his best finish with his new team with a second place finish.
According to early reports, the Champ Car Safety Team placed him on a backboard when they removed the unconscious da Matta from the car. He was immediately airlifted to a nearby hospital and at this time, Da Matta's condition is unknown.
Medical update:
Da Matta underwent immediate surgery at Theda Clark Medical Center.
Statement From Dr. Chris Pinderski, Champ Car Director of Medical Affairs:
"After arriving at Theda Clark Medical Center, a head CT scan showed Cristiano had suffered a subdural hematoma. He was urgently taken to the operating room for surgical removal of the hematoma and is now being observed in the intensive care unit."
He was with his team in Road America in an open practice for Champ Car teams, while entering curve six of RA he hit a deer with a sidepod, he was knock unconscious and then hit a tire wall, he was taken to a hospital in a helicopter.
Cristiano da Matta was airlifted to a Wisconsin hospital Thursday afternoon after striking a deer during Champ Car testing at Elkhart Lake, Wis.
The 32-year-old Brazilian was knocked unconscious by the impact but his vital signs were good and he was stable.
According to an eyewitness, da Matta was heading for Turn 6 at Road America when the deer ran out in front of him and struck the right front of his RuSport Lola. The deer caromed into the cockpit and tore off the roll hoop as da Matta smashed into the tire barrier with his foot still planted on the throttle.
Safety crews extracted him on a backboard and applied an oxygen mask as he was taken to a helicopter.
The 2002 CART champion is coming off his first podium of the season, a second place last Sunday at San Jose.
Click here to find out more!
DJ
Date 2006-08-03
By Motorsport.com staff writers
RuSPORT driver Cristiano da Matta was involved in an incident with a deer today at the Road America circuit, nestled in the countryside near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
The 2002 Champ Car (CART) champion was participating in an Open Test for the series on the 4.048 mile road course when the deer came out onto the racing surface in the third practice session and collided with the right side of the open wheel car before landing near the cockpit area.
According to the RuSPORT team release, "Da Matta collided with a deer that wandered onto the track, at approximately 3:08 pm CDT today."
The Brazilian, who had turned the third quickest time prior to the incident, joined the team prior to the Portland International Raceway event in mid-June. Last Sunday, he has his best finish with his new team with a second place finish.
According to early reports, the Champ Car Safety Team placed him on a backboard when they removed the unconscious da Matta from the car. He was immediately airlifted to a nearby hospital and at this time, Da Matta's condition is unknown.
Medical update:
Da Matta underwent immediate surgery at Theda Clark Medical Center.
Statement From Dr. Chris Pinderski, Champ Car Director of Medical Affairs:
"After arriving at Theda Clark Medical Center, a head CT scan showed Cristiano had suffered a subdural hematoma. He was urgently taken to the operating room for surgical removal of the hematoma and is now being observed in the intensive care unit."
He was with his team in Road America in an open practice for Champ Car teams, while entering curve six of RA he hit a deer with a sidepod, he was knock unconscious and then hit a tire wall, he was taken to a hospital in a helicopter.
Cristiano da Matta was airlifted to a Wisconsin hospital Thursday afternoon after striking a deer during Champ Car testing at Elkhart Lake, Wis.
The 32-year-old Brazilian was knocked unconscious by the impact but his vital signs were good and he was stable.
According to an eyewitness, da Matta was heading for Turn 6 at Road America when the deer ran out in front of him and struck the right front of his RuSport Lola. The deer caromed into the cockpit and tore off the roll hoop as da Matta smashed into the tire barrier with his foot still planted on the throttle.
Safety crews extracted him on a backboard and applied an oxygen mask as he was taken to a helicopter.
The 2002 CART champion is coming off his first podium of the season, a second place last Sunday at San Jose.
Click here to find out more!