Rutherford Hospitalized After Indy Crash
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Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Johnny Rutherford was hospitalized with a concussion Wednesday in Indianapolis after his second crash during the opening week of practice for the May 27 race.
Rutherford, 52, was taken by ambulance to Methodist Hospital, where he was in good condition. Officials at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway said that Rutherford was alert but would be kept overnight.
Rutherford’s 1989 Lola-Cosworth went out of control as he drove through the wind-swept third turn on the 2 1/2-mile oval. The car skidded sideways through the turn, did a half-spin, slammed into the wall, then spun away, coming to a rest on the inside track apron.
Rutherford had done two laps before the crash, with a top speed of 146.668 m.p.h.
His best lap was Monday, when he hit 212.039 before his car’s right tires brushed the wall on the second turn. Rutherford was not injured.
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