| | Fernandez Breaks Arm
©1999 SpeedCenter Publishing
Out of the cockpit for several weeksPatrick Racing driver AdrianFernandez had surgery Friday night at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana to insert a plate and screws to close a fracture ofthe radius bone of the right arm. The surgery was performed by Dr. JoeBaele. On Monday, or Tuesday, CART's Chief Orthopedic Consultant,Dr. Terry Trammell will examine Fernandez, who was released thismorning, to determine the amount of time he will miss from competition.Following that examination Patrick Racing will make a decision as to thestatus of the #40 Tecate/Quaker State/Patrick Racing Ford-Cosworth. "This is obviously a very unfortunate and sad situation,"said U. E. "Pat" Patrick. "Adrian was off to a very strong start and isa contender for the PPG Cup. The most important things are that he receive thebest medical care possible and that he has a full recovery. After Dr.Trammell examines him on Monday, we will know a lot more and at thattime we will make a decision on how we will proceed." Fernandez was injured during Friday morning's practicesession for the Tenneco Automotive Grand Prix of Detroit, when his carwent into the wall in Turn Two. Commenting on the incident Fernandez said,"Basically I was entering Turn Two and I lost the car. Then I caught it,and then it got away again. The right front hit the wall, but before it did Ithought I was going to catch the car and so I left my hands on thesteering wheel. Somehow my hand got into the steering wheel and when I hit, the wheeljerked my hand. At first I thought it was just a bruise. I was saying tomyself that it couldn't be that bad, but inside I knew it wasn't good. Wehave to see what the doctors say in Indianapolis. It's too bad for ourchampionship hopes and I feel bad for the Tecate/Quaker State/Patrick RacingTeam, but it is important that I have it taken care of properly and comeback 100%." Following the accident Fernandez was sent to the CARTMedical Center where he was initially examined by CART physician Dr.Trevor Gillmore. He was then transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital wherehe was evaluated and X-rays were taken. Fernandez then flew in PatrickRacing's private airplane to Indianapolis for further evaluation anddiagnosis. |
