Charles Buckman Returns Home

Charles (Chuck) Buckman returned home this week after spending five nights at Methodist Hospital after he was knocked unconscious and suffered a skull fracture last Friday when he was hit by Danica Patrick’s car while walking in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway pits during practice.

“The only problem I am having right now is a case of vertigo when I sit or stand up," said Dale Coyne Racing Crew Chief Charles Buckman. “Besides that my right arm is bruised all over, I have a fracture in my skull, my face is scrapped and I have to wear a neck brace for a month. Other than that I feel fine and want to get back to work."

Buckman has not seen the video of the accident and remembers very little of the event.

“All I remember at this point was walking down pit lane to get my jacket and I stopped off to talk with someone from Marco Andretti’s crew then everything after that is blank," said Buckman. “I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. It was not Danica’s fault and I do not hold her to blame for what happened. In my 35 years in auto racing this is the first time anything this bad has happened to me. I’m just thankful that I’m still alive."

Mr. Buckman would love to be well enough to make it out for the race on May 25th. “I would love for both Dale Coyne Racing cars to make the field and be there to see the race," Buckman said.

The Buckman family is very thankful for all the inquires and well wishes, but asks at this time for the media to respect their privacy until Charles makes a full recovery.