Fernandez to miss Fontana

macdaddy · 29 Oct 2002, 07:07 (Ref:416155)

From Autosport:

Dr. Steve Olvey:
"After further CT scanning, Adrian has two thoracic fractures at T-2 and T-3 (below the neck). They do not require surgery and there is no risk to the spinal column. He will be wearing a cervical collar for comfort and will keep his flight (to the United States) tomorrow."
"He will not be able to drive at Fontana, and the question of Mexico City will determined later in the week."

Fernandez:
"It's unfortunate that once again I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The visibility was zero and everyone was being extra cautious. I was hit from behind and Tora's car landed on top of my head. It could have killed me."
"It's unfortunate about Fontana, and I hope that I will feel a lot better and will be able to race in Mexico City. That decision will be up to the doctors and we won't know until next week."

Macdaddy:
"Tough luck for Adrian. Hope that he isn't in too much pain, and that he can recover quickly. I know how much the Mexico City event must mean to him. Some solace can be taken simply in the fact that he lives to race again."
"Does this mean that Papis might get to start the 500? He's always been very competitive on the superspeedways."

f1manoz · 29 Oct 2002, 08:32 (Ref:416182)

Bad luck for Adrian but this could be another opportunity for Mad Max to show his prowess.

R · 29 Oct 2002, 10:51 (Ref:416267)

Goodness me, I haven't seen the multi car crash (yet), but from what I've read here and in the other topic, it sounds like especially Fernandez and Takagi were very lucky indeed to escape with no serious injuries.

Good luck to them both.

Vasser too was lucky from what I've read.

BootsOntheSide · 29 Oct 2002, 11:05 (Ref:416282)

I guess Max will fill in again, and he's a defiante dark horse for the win. Bad luck for Adrian but at least its nothing lasting.

Liz · 29 Oct 2002, 11:59 (Ref:416326)

That's two for him this year. I wouldn't get back in the car til next year if I were he, but I suppose he has GOT to race in Mexico City. When I saw the marks on his helmet and the roll hoop, I ran right and lit a candle of thanksgiving that he still had his head.

Missing Fontana is a small loss compared to what he could have lost. Get well soon, Adrian!

f1manoz · 29 Oct 2002, 12:10 (Ref:416334)

I downloaded the clip off the web and played it frame by frame and you actually see Tora's car land on his head, and continue to slide down the back of his car. Now while the whole scene was only 1-2 seconds long, it came within inches of killing him - another inch second or two, another inch or two, and Adrian may not be with us.

Perhaps that was another sign, Adrian, that someone upstairs would like you to quit!

macdaddy · 29 Oct 2002, 19:30 (Ref:416639)

Fernandez speaks to CART.com:

"I thought I was OK because it seemed like everything had stopped. But three or four seconds later, I saw a car flying through the air and coming right at me. I tucked my head down as far as I could and closed my eyes. The last thing I saw was Tora's gearbox."

"It scared the hell out of me. Tora's rollbar broke my steering wheel and his engine cover hit my head. It was a huge impact and I knew I was hurt."

"I know I was lucky. Anytime you have a 1,500-pound Champ Car land on your head, you have to be."

"It was nobody's fault. We simply didn't realize the conditions were going to be that bad until the pace laps and then I said, 'Oh s---.'"

"I literally couldn't see anything so when you can't see, what do you do? I backed out of the throttle when a couple guys in front of me slowed down and then Jimmy got into me. But when I can't see, I'm not a race driver anymore. We were all just passengers out there in those conditions."

"I talked with Dr. Trammell and he thinks I've got a good chance (to race in Mexico). I'm in good shape and it's going to heal on its own. We'll get someone else to drive at Fontana, but I want to be in Mexico City it there is any way possible. It's going to be a huge event and the racetrack is awesome."

Liz · 30 Oct 2002, 16:27 (Ref:417619)

Max got the drive for Fontana.

macdaddy · 30 Oct 2002, 17:23 (Ref:417670)

Flatspot · 30 Oct 2002, 18:06 (Ref:417696)

Good for Max!!! I certainly hope Adrian makes it back for Mexico as he is the hometown favorite and will be excellent for the race crowd draw.

GoFaster · 31 Oct 2002, 01:25 (Ref:418101)

As previously reported:
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=00025601

GoFaster · 31 Oct 2002, 01:31 (Ref:418103)

As previously reported:
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=00025601

Liz · 31 Oct 2002, 02:30 (Ref:418116)

I'll keep Adrian in my prayers. He is a very nice guy and the mario of mexico -- he deserves to race at home and I will pray he can.

f1manoz · 31 Oct 2002, 06:34 (Ref:418180)

Reverend Benjamin of the ULC will also be praying Adrian can drive... and WIN!

macdaddy · 31 Oct 2002, 09:13 (Ref:418247)

Despite a fractured pelvis, Takagi will be driving in Fontana. He's got to be careful, though, because apparently he's only got one car to play with. The car that crashed in Australia suffered tub damage and has been scrapped.

Liz · 31 Oct 2002, 12:20 (Ref:418354)

Takagi is going to the Oval Series next year so I guess he'll have to get used to playing hurt, but I think it is a bad idea to get back on the horse this soon. Of course he may be the first man out and that would solve the problem.

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