Danica Patrick Injures Mechanic In Pit Lane Accident
Charles Buckman, a chief mechanic for Dale Coyne Racing, remained in Methodist Hospital for a third day after a pit-lane accident involving Danica Patrick left him with a fractured skull and brain hemorrhaging.
Buckman, who was set to be released Sunday but remained in the hospital for further observation, was hit by the front wing of Patrick’s Dallara-Honda as it entered the pits during practice Friday.
Patrick hasn’t talked about the incident with the exception of a brief statement in which she said her thoughts were with Buckman. But Andretti Green Racing teammate Tony Kanaan said Patrick cried while she was consoled.
“I said, ‘Let it go. — It wasn’t your fault,’ ” Kanaan said.
Brian Barnhart, the IRL’s president of competition, also absolved Patrick of blame (”There isn’t anything differently that Danica could have done”) while discussing the incident Sunday:
Would you consider limiting access?
“I don’t know if limiting access would make any difference because it involved crewmembers. It’s not like it was the result of how many fans and/or sponsors have pit road access; it’s guys who are supposed to be aware of their environment and participating in the event. –
“What it does point out is it’s a 60 mph speed limit on pit lane, and it’s like playing in the Interstate. You’ve really got to be focused.”
What about mandating helmets?
“We do on race day. It is a different environment on practice days vs. race days. — I don’t know that anything comes out of it that we need to change — as far as policies.”
Of course, there was a pit lane incident in the Kansas race, too.
“It’s highly dangerous, and that’s why it’s a restricted area and why people out there are supposed to be professional and know what the risks are. — There’s a lot of exposed personnel on pit road. I tell them every driver’s meeting, they’ve got to take care of each other, and everybody’s got to pay attention.”