Two-time Indy 500 champ Dan Wheldon was killed in a crash Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Photo Courtesy: AP)Jimmie Johnson calls on IndyCar to quit ovals
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) - Five-time defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson says its time for IndyCar to stop racing on ovals.
Johnson says he was glued to his television Sunday watching the coverage of Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon's death in the IndyCar season finale at Las Vegas.
Johnson believes the IndyCar cars are built for street circuits and road courses, and drive too fast to race on ovals. He says the car is not built to withstand the bumping that occurs on ovals.
Johnson was in his own frightening accident Saturday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway, when his car hit headfirst into the wall. The back wheels briefly lifted off the track, but Johnson walked away and suffered only next-day soreness.
IndyCar drivers out of Vegas hospital after crash
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Two IndyCar drivers have been released from a Las Vegas hospital after overnight treatment for injuries they received in a fiery crash that killed two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon.
IndyCar officials say Pippa Mann and JR Hildebrand were released Monday from University Medical Center.
IndyCar spokeswoman Tracey Todd says the 28-year-old Mann underwent surgery for a burn to her right pinkie finger received in the 15-car wreck Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mann is from London.
Officials say Hildebrand was held overnight for evaluation. The 23-year-old American driver was treated for a bruised sternum.
Will Power, a 30-year-old Australian, was evaluated at the hospital Sunday and released.
The Clark County coroner was conducting an autopsy Monday for Wheldon.
The 33-year-old Englishman died of his injuries after the crash.
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