©1998 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc.
Veteran race driver Dennis Vitolo is resting at home and expects to be cleared to drive for the CART FedEx Championshipseason opener March 15 at the Metro-Dade Homestead Motorsports Complex following an accident there Wednesday inwhich he suffered minor injuries.
Vitolo, who was testing on the Homestead oval track for the upcoming Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami March 15, was drivinghis SmithKline Beecham-sponsored Reynard Ford when some yet undetermined mechanical problem caused motor oil to leak onhis rear tires and spun him into a crash wall at an estimated 200 mph.
He was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami for treatment. Physicians there reported he suffered firstdegree burns to the left eye, forehead and cheek, including a mild burn on the left cornea, a broken finger on hisright hand and soreness to his back and neck.
CART Medical Director Steve Olvey said he will examine Vitolo in a week and anticipates that the driver will becleared to drive for the Miami race.
Damage to Vitolo's car appears to be extensive, the team said. Car owner Dale Coyne is evaluating the damage tosee what will have to be done to get Vitolo's car ready for the Miami race. 
Source: Payton/Coyne PR
