He's Broken
But Bent On Racing Again
By Robin Miller
The Indianapolis Star/News

©1996 Indianapolis Newspapers, Inc.
Complete article available at: SpeedNet

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INDIANAPOLIS (June 10, 1996) -- The Indianapolis Motor Speedway doesn't discriminate -- it can shatter legs, feet and ankles just as quickly as it does dreams.

Ask Alessandro Zampedri.

Last month, he came on strong in the later stages of the 80th Indianapolis 500 and was leading with only 10 laps left. But he never even made it to the checkered flag.

Zampedri was victimized by another driver's mistake, and those unforgiving IMS walls ravaged his lower extremities in a violent accident coming off Turn 4 on the last lap.

Five operations and three weeks later, the always-personable 26-year-old Italian is healing, smiling and, of course, talking about driving again.

"Every day I am looking and feeling a little better," Zampedri said Monday afternoon from his bed at Methodist Hospital.

"The doctors are very happy with the surgery.

"It will take some time, but they are very positive I can do the normal things I've always done."

The left foot was literally crushed, and it took a vein transfer, muscle transplant and several hours of surgery to avoid amputation. He lost three toes but retained his sense of humor.

"I never wear sandals anyway," he said with a laugh.

"I just want to take my time, heal 100 percent and start racing again."

As for the 1996 Indy 500, he has yet to watch the tape.

"People say it was a pretty good race," he said, breaking into a smile. "I just wish there had been a different winner ... me."

Used by permission

Special thanks to SpeedNet, Robin Miller and Jay Small...

Get well soon, Alessandro!