Fan injured in IndyCar season opener files lawsuit

As expected, the female fan hurt at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has now formally sued the race promoters, IndyCar and the fence supplier, whom she claims are liable for her injuries after she was struck in the head by flying debris from the track, possibly as a result of the new, alledgedly fragile body kits.

According to TampaBay.com. the suit claims damages in excess of $15,000 from IndyCar, promoter Green Savoree and Smith Fence.

Pinellas County resident Brigitte Hoffstetter and her husband, Gregory, attended the March 29 race, according to the filing. She was in the concession area about 100 yards from the track when a piece of debris flew from one of the cars, cleared the fence and hit her in the head, resulting in a depressed skull fracture.

The suit claims IndyCar was responsible because of the series' aero kits, saying the series failed to properly test the bodywork before the season-open, failing to ensure the parts were securely fastened to the cars, and the result was "extremely dangerous and unsafe."

The suit says IndyCar and promoters failed to sufficiently warn spectators of the danger, even after an early caution because of debris, and that the fence company failed to provide adequate barriers to keep spectators safe.

The suit, filed Friday in Pinellas County Circuit Court, demands a jury trial. It says Hoffstetter suffered pain, disability and loss of consortium as a resul of the incident.