Andretti Survives Indy 500 Practice Session Crash

Topics:  Indianapolis 500, Mario Andretti

VOA Sports
Voice of America
April 24, 2003

Open wheel auto racing legend Mario Andretti avoided serious injury Wednesday when he crashed his car during a practice session for the Indianapolis 500.

Andretti, 63, lost control of his car when he struck debris while traveling at more than 300 kilometers per hour.  The car went into the air, flipped at least twice and landed on all four tires.

Andretti walked away from the crash with only minor injuries.

Andretti, who retired from auto racing in 1994, is testing a car owned by his son, Michael.  The car's regular driver, Tony Kanaan of Brazil, is out of action with a broken arm.