Carpenter aims for quick return

The Vision Racing driver was released from hospital on Monday, having been involved in Paul Dana's fatal accident during the Sunday morning warm-up at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Carpenter was briefly knocked unconscious and sustained bruised lungs when his crashed car was struck by Dana's Panoz at an estimated 176mph.

"I have bruising on my lungs and I need to watch out for that," Carpenter said. "I have some breathing exercises to do, but other than that I am doing very well.

"I'm very blessed and fortunate and it is my goal to get back in the car for St. Petersburg."

He requires clearance from IRL medic Dr. Henry Bock before he can return to racing, although IRL officials indicated that it is entirely possible that this will happen in time for this weekend's event. Roberto Moreno will take Carpenter's place in today's test on the Homestead road course.

After leaving hospital, Carpenter expressed his sympathy for Dana's family, friends and team.

"It was a bad day for racing and my prayers and thoughts go out to Paul's family," he said. "I was fortunate to be able to speak with Paul's brother during my stay at the hospital and I was glad for that.

"I wish I could have spoken with his wife as well, but I want her to know that my sincerest sympathies and prayers are with her, their family and the entire Rahal Letterman Racing team at this time."

He also paid tribute to the efforts of the series' medical team.

"I remember seeing Mike Yates of the IRL Safety Team first and that was a welcome sight," Carpenter said. "It is comforting to have them present in these types of situations."