Injured Indy 500 Driver Said In Fair Condition After Third Operation

Driver Alessandro Zampedri, injured in a crash on the last lap of the Indianapolis 500, was in fair condition Tuesday after a third operation on both of his legs and feet Tuesday.

His left foot was most severely injured, and doctors won’t know until Monday whether it can be saved, said Charlotte Hatfield, a Methodist Hospital spokeswoman. His right foot was repaired during the 3-hour surgery, she said.

“The right foot and ankle were badly broken and will require a long period of rehabilitation. The left foot was badly lacerated from the crash but progress has also been made in the last 24 hours,” said Team Scandia owner Andy Evans

Zampedri, Roberto Guerrero and Eliseo Salazar crashed in the fourth turn just as Sunday’s race ended. Guerrero was not hurt and Salazar was treated for a bruised right knee and released from Methodist Hospital on Sunday evening. Zampedri, who led 20 laps before he was passed on the 190th of the 200 laps, was in surgery for 7 hours Sunday night to repair multiple fractures of his legs and feet.

Hatfield said Zampedri was resting in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to help stimulate the growth of blood vessels and control swelling. She said he would undergo surgery Thursday and again Saturday so doctors can assess the injuries.

Zampedri was awarded fourth place in the race, Guerrero fifth and Salazar sixth.

Rookie Dan Drinan, who underwent surgery for a broken left hip on May 19, was brought by ambulance from Methodist on Sunday to watch the race and then was returned to the hospital. He was hurt in a crash during practice.