Fittipaldi To Have Surgery

Emerson Fittipaldi was transferred from Michigan to a hospital in Florida for surgery to repair a neck fracture, hospital and IndyCar officials said.

Injured in a crash early in the Marlboro 500 on Sunday at Michigan International Speedway, Fittipaldi was in serious but stable condition when taken from St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, hospital officials said.

The hospital said in a written release that Fittipaldi would have surgery at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. It said Fittipaldi’s prognosis was good.

With a record eighth Winston Cup title beckoning, Dale Earnhardt isn’t about to give up standings points without a fight, no matter how painful.

Earnhardt, who fractured his left collarbone and sternum in a crash during Sunday’s DieHard 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, said he will attempt to qualify his Goodwrench Chevrolet on Thursday.

Then he plans to at least start Saturday in the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he is defending champion.

Under NASCAR rules, the driver who takes the green flag earns the points for that race, even if he gives way to a relief driver after the first lap.