Dana Released from Hospital

Paul Dana has been released from hospital and will not require surgery, after sustaining injury in a crash during the Indianapolis 500 practice on Friday

May 16, 2005, 1:53 AM

Dana, who spun and hit the wall at Turn Two, was admitted to the Indianapolis Methodist Hospital with a spinal fracture and concussions.

But his doctors have decides he would not require surgery on his fractured T-7 and T-8 vertebrae and will wear a brace, allowing the fracture to heal on its own. Dana has been ruled out of further driving this month, and he will miss the Indy 500, in two weeks.

"I am feeling much better, and I am looking forward to going home later today," Dana said from his hospital bed. "My focus right now is to get healthy and to help Team Ethanol in any way that I can.

"I want to thank the medical staffs at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Methodist Hospital for helping me and my family through the past few days. I also appreciate the tremendous support we have received from our sponsors, friends and members of the IndyCar (Series) community.

"It has been a tough three days, but I am already feeling better and looking forward to returning to racing."