Kenny Brack, who was seriously injured in a crash with South African Tomas Scheckter during the Chevy 500 in Texas on Sunday, has undergone successful surgery on his right femur and both ankles.
Kenny Brack, who was seriously injured in a crash with South African Tomas Scheckter during the Chevy 500 in Texas on Sunday, has undergone successful surgery on his right femur and both ankles.
CARtoday.com reported on Monday that on lap 187 of the 200 scheduled laps, Brack and Scheckter, the man he will be replacing at Target Chip Ganassi Racing team next year, made contact on the back straight, sending Brack’s car into the air, and then into the catch fencing in turn three. The IRL safety team and track medical team removed the Team Rahal driver from the cockpit and airlifted him to Parkland Hospital in Dallas.
Dr Brian Eastridge, a trauma surgeon, and Dr Charles Reinert, an orthopaedic surgeon, performed the surgery at the hospital. Brack, the 1999 Indy 500 champion, remains in serious, but stable condition and is awake and alert, said Dr Henry Bock, director of medical services for the Indy Racing League.
Team owner Bobby Rahal was able to talk to Brack before the surgery and Rahal, Brack’s wife Anita and several Team Rahal members talked to Dr Reinert and Dr Eastridge afterwards.
“Kenny was in such good condition after the surgery on Sunday,” said Rahal, the 1986 Indy 500 winner. “He came through with flying colours. The doctors are very optimistic. We are thankful for the great efforts of the doctors in the surgery and the IRL safety crew at the track. It has been so heartwarming for Anita and all of Team Rahal to receive so many calls of concern and for best wishes on Kenny’s condition. We thank everyone for their support.”