IRL: Official statement on death of Paul Dana

DANA SUFFERS FATAL INJURIES IN PRACTICE CRASH

HOMESTEAD, Fla., Sunday, March 26, 2006 -- IRL IndyCar® Series driver Paul Dana suffered fatal injuries in a practice crash March 26 before the Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He was 30.

Dana, a native of St. Louis who lived in Indianapolis, was pronounced dead shortly before noon (EST) at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, a Level 1 trauma center.

Driver Ed Carpenter, who also was involved in the two-car crash, was listed in stable condition at the hospital, said Dr. Henry Bock, Indy Racing League director of medical services. Both drivers were airlifted to the trauma center.

At 10:03 a.m., about two minutes into the session in preparation for the season-opening race, Carpenter's car spun high in Turn 2 and slid down the banking. It almost came to a stop when it was struck in the left-rear by Dana's car traveling at full speed.

"Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with the Dana family and everyone associated with the Rahal Letterman race team," Indy Racing League President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Barnhart said in making the announcement at the track.

Rahal Letterman Racing withdrew the cars of Dana's teammates, 2004 Indianapolis 500 winner Buddy Rice and 2005 IndyCar Series Bombardier Rookie of the Year Danica Patrick, from the race.

"It is a very black day for us, and on behalf of our entire team our prayers and sympathy go out to the entire Dana family," said team co-owner Bobby Rahal, the 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner.

Dana finished second in the 2004 Indy Pro Series standings, with a victory at Milwaukee. He debuted in the series in 2003, finishing ninth in points. Dana moved up to the IndyCar Series with Hemelgarn Racing in 2005 but competed in only three races due to a season-ending back injury suffered in May during practice for the Indianapolis 500.

Dana is survived by his wife, Tonya.

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