Hearn returns to the cockpit
Richie Hearn has returned to the cockpit of a race car for the first time since he suffered serious injuries in a crash at Kentucky Speedway during an Indy Racing League event in August
The American, who has won one IRL race, drove an Sam Schmidt run Indy car at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Hearn suffered a broken right foot as a result of his crash at Kentucky, and has been unable to drive since then.
"It felt really good," Hearn said. "Mentally, I knew I could still drive. My foot's at 95 percent. Although the bone is still bruised, it gave me no problem."
Team boss Sam Schmidt was impressed with Hearn. "He did great - everything's fine," he said. "It's like falling off a horse. After about 30 laps, he was running flat out."
The driver hopes to race with Schmidt next season, although a deal has yet to be finalised. "Of course, I want to get back to racing," said Hearn. "Hopefully, Sam will put a programme together, and we'll race next year at Homestead. If not, then Indy."
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