Kanaan cleared to race in Indy 500

IRL IndyCar Series frontrunner Tony Kanaan has been cleared by Indy Racing League officials to compete in the 87th Indianapolis 500 later this month

May 6, 2003, 8:19 AM

Kanaan sustained broken bones in his left wrist in a crash with Scott Dixon on April 13 at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan. He underwent surgery, as did Dixon for a similar injury to his right wrist. Dixon had been cleared to drive. Until Monday's announcement, Kanaan's participation had been questionable.

The move ends speculation that Kanaan, one of the favorites to win the race, would have to miss Saturday's pole qualifying and start the race toward the back of the field. It also ended the possibility that Mario Andretti might ty to qualify Kanaan's car on Saturday.

Andretti tested Kanaan's car on April 23 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but was involved in a violent crash. He was not injured.

Had he not been able to qualify the car Saturday, Andretti Green Racing had planned to use Mario Andretti to put the car in the field. Kanaan was then expected to try to improve his position the following weekend.