Philippe and Power injured in scary crash at Infineon

UPDATE #2 The Indy Racing League announced that Power officially has a fractured L2 and L4 vertebrae of the back and a concussion. He is expected to remain overnight in the hospital. Philippe has an open fracture of the left foot and a concussion. He will remain overnight for observations

08/22/09 We spoke to Richard Philippe, brother of Nelson, and their father. Nelson will be OK they told us and the foot injury includes a bad gash, but until it is x-rayed they do not yet know if it is broken. Power was not unconscious we hear, and he is able to wiggle his toes, so there does not appear to be any nerve damage. The team is preparing his backup car so someone at Penske thinks he may yet be back in the car this weekend.

08/22/09 Nelson Philippe spun his IndyCar at the crest of Turn 3a at Infineon Raceway this morning during IndyCar practice. His Conquest Dallara came to rest sitting sideways across the track between Turn 3a and 4.

EJ Viso was the first driver to come flying over the crest of the blind turn 3a and he dove left to avoid Philippe but clipped his front wing and spun off. Will Power was the next to crest the hill and he caught Philippe's car dead in the driver's side. Dan Wheldon also went off.

Both Philippe and Power were transported to Santa Rosa Memorial hospital with concussions. Phillipe also has a possible broken foot and Power is complaining of back pain. Philippe was knocked unconscious and remembers nothing from the accident his Conquest team owner Eric Bachelart told AR1.com.

Viso and Wheldon are fine and cleared to drive. Mark C. reporting from Infineon Raceway