RA Open Test

[grungex]

Yet another reason to dislike Seabass and NH. He was crying like a baby, scared witless by the rain. Pretty much everyone else wanted to race, but Haas kept insisting it was too dangerous. Gerry Forsythe is shown asking him why in the hell do we have rain tires, then?

http://i6.tinypic.com/23m0jlz.jpg

[cart7]

I'm just checking in and finding the news on Shorty. Hang in there bud, I pray you'll race again. :(

[Opposite Lock]

Yet another reason to dislike Seabass and NH. He was crying like a baby, scared witless by the rain. Pretty much everyone else wanted to race, but Haas kept insisting it was too dangerous. Gerry Forsythe is shown asking him why in the hell do we have rain tires, then?


My memory could be clouded in part due to the multiple pints consumed while standing and waiting (and waiting and waiting) in the only bar I could find in Chicago that had HDTV at the time, and in part because it was 3 years ago, but I thought Sebastien was the one who asked "then why do we have rain tires?" Maybe Fat Carl was against running in the rain, but are you sure about SB?

The one part I do remember clearly was how incredible the wet tree bark and soaked grass looked in HD. :gomer:

[RacinM3]

Best wishes to da Matta.

You guys would not believe how often animals cross the track.....just a byproduct of the mostly rural areas where they're built. I've run across, but never hit, deer. I've seen rabbits, ducks, mice, snakes, and various other birds. I've only taken out a couple of birds, which is bad enough. Thunderhill has cows right outside the fences....I keep waiting for one of them to accidentally get onto the track.... :eek:

[grungex]

My memory could be clouded in part due to the multiple pints consumed while standing and waiting (and waiting and waiting) in the only bar I could find in Chicago that had HDTV at the time, and in part because it was 3 years ago, but I thought Sebastien was the one who asked "then why do we have rain tires?" Maybe Fat Carl was against running in the rain, but are you sure about SB?

The one part I do remember clearly was how incredible the wet tree bark and soaked grass looked in HD. :gomer:
I'm sure. I took that picture, and heard GF make the comment, and I was told about Seabass on the radio by someone who would definitely know.

[Opposite Lock]

I'm sure. I took that picture, and heard GF make the comment, and I was told about Seabass on the radio by someone who would definitely know.

I consider myself corrected. Thanks.

[grungex]

:cool:

[Gangrel]

I'm sure. I took that picture, and heard GF make the comment, and I was told about Seabass on the radio by someone who would definitely know.

I beg to differ, as I was listening to my scanner that day. I bought the scanner that weekend at the track, and while I had the camera stowed during the delay I was listening in to find out what was going to happen with the rest of the afternoon. I personally heard (and reported either here or 7G - can't recall) Seabass making comments such as "Come on, why aren't we racing" and "Well, why do we have rain tires, then?" He was quite vocal about how they raced in conditions like this all the time in Europe, and how he didn't want the race to be delayed any longer because he had a flight out to go see his girlfriend.

Grung, not sure where you got your information about Seabass saying he didn't want to race in the rain, but I can most assuredly tell you first hand that was not the case.

[Anteater]

I personally heard (and reported either here or 7G - can't recall) Seabass making comments such as "Come on, why aren't we racing" and "Well, why do we have rain tires, then?" He was quite vocal about how they raced in conditions like this all the time in Europe, and how he didn't want the race to be delayed any longer because he had a flight out to go see his girlfriend.
I'm going to back up Gangrel on this: I distinctly remember reading that Sebastien wanted to race and was impatient with the delay. Moreover, he wanted to get on with it so he could go home and kiss his girlfriend! So romantic, zese Frenchmen. :)

[Jervis Tetch 1]

More prayers for Shorty. :(

[grungex]

Grung, not sure where you got your information about Seabass saying he didn't want to race in the rain, but I can most assuredly tell you first hand that was not the case.
It was when they actually made the first attempt at running in the rain that he started freaking out because he couldn't see.

[coolhand]

I clearly Remember Sebass calling everyone out for being afraid to race in the Rain, he was ready to go.

[rabbit]

http://www.tmj4.com/VideoPlayer/ASX/080406_6PM_roadamerica.asx

[rabbit]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMKmt1oHu30 :laugh: :thumbup:

[Gangrel]

It was when they actually made the first attempt at running in the rain that he started freaking out because he couldn't see.

I think you are mistaken, my friend....that was the longest day I have ever spent at a racetrack, and the whole time, I never saw or heard the boy show any sign of fear. I would recheck my sources if I were you....

[RHR_Fan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMKmt1oHu30 :laugh: :thumbup:

Had been a while since I had seen that one. :)

Local news here in Madison also did a little bit on CDM, but as part of their news broadcast, not in the sports.

~Nicole

[RHR_Fan]

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2103413924

Pics from the test.

~Nicole

[Dr. Corkski]

Damn, some Tracy fans are getting beyond desperate! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Insomniac]

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2103413924

Pics from the test.

~Nicole

I like the front straight pictures the best.

[JoeBob]

http://www.rusport.com/news/read/update-on-condition-of-champ-car-driver-cristiano-da-matta


Update on Condition of Champ Car Driver Cristiano da Matta
August 5, 2006
RuSPORT driver’s condition has stabilized, but he remains in intensive care

LOVELAND, Colo., Aug. 5, 2006, 2:15 pm EDT – Champ Car World Series driver Cristiano da Matta (#10 RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth / Lola / Bridgestone) remains in intensive care at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisc., as he recovers from a head injury he suffered after colliding with a deer that had run onto the track near Turn Six at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc. on Thursday afternoon.

Dr. Chris Pinderski, Champ Car World Series director of Medical Affairs, released the following statement from the hospital: "Cristiano da Matta remains in the Intensive Care Unit at Theda Clark Medical Center under the direct care of Randall R. Johnson M.D., Ph.D. from the Neuroscience Group of Northeast Wisconsin. Repeat CT scans show no further bleeding but Cristiano does have some cerebral adema, which is swelling of the brain itself. This is common with significant head injuries and was expected in this situation. His condition has stabilized but he will remain under heavy sedation as his recovery process continues."

Updates concerning da Matta’s condition will be released when they become available.

Yesterday, RuSPORT announced that it has withdrawn the No. 10 RuSPORT Champ Car from competition in the Grand Prix of Denver, which will take place on Sunday, Aug. 13. Da Matta’s teammate, Justin Wilson (#9 CDW / RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth / Lola / Bridgestone) will compete in the Grand Prix of Denver as scheduled.

Since da Matta’s accident on Thursday, RuSPORT and Champ Car have received many messages of support for da Matta. In response, RuSPORT also announced yesterday that, in lieu of sending flowers and gifts, anyone wishing to express their support for da Matta during his recovery is asked to please make a donation in his name to Hole in the Wall Camps, an official charity of the Champ Car World Series. Donation information can be found by visiting http://www.holeinthewallcamps.org, or by calling 203-562-1203.

[grungex]

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2103413924

Pics from the test.

~Nicole
Nice Pics, Nicole, thanks!


Why do you always have your hands on your hips? :rofl:

[JoeBob]

Address for cards:
Cristiano da Matta, patient
Theda Clark Medical Center
130 2nd St.
Neenah, WI 54956

[TKGAngel]

According to the CC website, Forsythe pulled out of the second day of testing. PT made the comment about there being "some safety issues that need to be addressed." Is he referring to the random deer that caused Shorty's accident, or is Forsythe just playing it safe? :confused:

[RHR_Fan]

Nice Pics, Nicole, thanks!


Why do you always have your hands on your hips? :rofl:

I don't know! When I saw that pic I was like damnit! It's like I'm expressing an attitude when I don't have one. Oh well.

~Nicole

[grungex]

Just messin' with ya! :) :cool:

[jonovision_man]

http://www.tmj4.com/VideoPlayer/ASX/080406_6PM_roadamerica.asx

Why is that sports guy grinning???

jono

[JoeBob]

Here's Forsythe's Press Release: http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=227876&FS=CHAMPCAR


Forsythe Championship Racing Withdraws From Day Two of Road America Test



Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin -- Friday, August 4, 2006 -- Following an accident involving Brazilian Cristiano Da Matta at the end of the first day of Champ Car's open test at Road America, the Forsythe Team decided not to participate in the second day of testing and headed back to its Indianapolis headquarters to concentrate on next week's Denver Grand Prix. Forsythe Championship Racing wishes Cristiano Da Matta a full and speedy recovery.



The Forsythe Duo of A.J. Allmendinger and Paul Tracy were second and fifth quickest during the first day of the open test.



A.J. Allmendinger #7 INDECK Ford-Cosworth/Bridgestone/Lola

Second Quickest -- Day One
1m44.499s / 139.4454mph / 224.429kph

"I agree with the decision not to continue with the test, I mean it's a very tough situation when a member of the Champ Car family gets hurt. I've never driven a Forsythe Champ Car here before and our laps yesterday really helped, but my thoughts are with Cristiano and his family and we are all pulling for him. We want to see him back as soon as possible. He's one of the most likable guys you'll ever meet and if anybody can come back strong it's Cristiano."



Paul Tracy #3 INDECK Ford-Cosworth/Bridgestone/Lola

Fifth Quickest -- Day One
1m45.129s / 138.618mph / 223.083kph

"Ultimately it was the right decision to end the test early; it's a decision made out of respect for Cristiano. It was obviously a freak accident but there are definitely some safety issues that should be addressed and we thought it would be in the best interest of the team not to run on the second day. It's going to be a tough recovery for Cristiano, nobody knows the exact nature of his injuries yet, but what we do know is that we want to see him back in the series as soon as possible. But for now the most important thing is that he gets better and that he has a full recovery."



Neil Micklewright, Vice President of Team Operations

"We decided shortly after the accident that we weren't going to run the next day. Considering the situation we just didn't feel that we would have the right focus and we weren't going to learn anything of substance, we never want to put our drivers at risk. It's just a test, you get nothing for winning a test so we are not too worried about not being out there, we'll be strong as always when we come back in September for the race."



The Champ Car World Series now heads for the mile-high city of Denver for Round Ten as Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford. The race will be broadcast live on Speed TV at 3:30pm ET, Sunday August 13.

[race chica]

http://www.tmj4.com/VideoPlayer/ASX/080406_6PM_roadamerica.asx

Thanks :)

[RTKar]

According to the CC website, Forsythe pulled out of the second day of testing. PT made the comment about there being "some safety issues that need to be addressed." Is he referring to the random deer that caused Shorty's accident, or is Forsythe just playing it safe? :confused:


(My guess of what he's referring to)

There are major sections of the track that don't have high "race" fencing enclosing it. From where the accident occurred through a fast down hill portion to the carousel.

[Sean O'Gorman]

Why is that sports guy grinning???

jono

Cuz hes a sports guy aned they are all insensitive dickheadS? I don't know, I haven't watche th video yet

[jonovision_man]

Cuz hes a sports guy aned they are all insensitive dickheadS? I don't know, I haven't watche th video yet

You haven't watched the video, but you got it right I think. :)

I remember when Senna had his crash, Murray Walker lowered his voice to a somber, concerned tone while commentating on it. That coverage should be mandatory viewing for anyone who wants to do any reporting of injured race car drivers - you have to at least pretend you care that someone might be seriously injured or worse. (Of course, Murray was personal friends with most of the paddock and genuinely cared)

jono

[Elmo T]

Why is that sports guy grinning???

jono

Typical puppet-head newscaster. :shakehead

I wouldn't take it personally. They do the same with fire deaths, car crashes, murders, and "coming up next, the record attempt for the world's largest pancake..." :rolleyes:

[theunions]

You haven't watched the video, but you got it right I think. :)

The sports guy and anchors on CNN Headline News Friday morning weren't exactly grinning, but they were a little more "enthusiastic" than I'd like to see...also put too much emphasis on being in awe that a race car could hit a deer (no bothering to explain why a deer would've been anywhere near the premises). :shakehead

[cameraman]

The latest from Robin Miller


Quick response and excellent treatment gave Cristiano da Matta every chance to survive his freakish accident last week at Elkhart Lake and, thankfully, the 2002 CART champion is going to live.

But how soon the 32-year-old Brazilian recovers from his severe head injury and to what extent is impossible to predict, according to Dr. Chris Pinderski and Dr. Steve Olvey.

"Everybody did a great job, from our safety team to the surgeon in Wisconsin (Randall Johnson) and Cristiano's conditions has stabilized so now he's in the recovery phase," said Pinderski, the medical director for Champ Car who intubated da Matta before he was placed in the helicopter for his emergency trip to Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wis.

"But now we've got him completely sedated and we're allowing the brain to reset itself so it's going to be several days before we know much more."

Da Matta was testing at Road America and running approximately 100 mph when a deer jumped into the path of his car and caromed into the cockpit. That contact created violent accelerations to the brain. It caused the brain to bleed and swell and required immediate surgery to alleviate the pressure.

"Cristiano suffered an acute subdural hematoma and if there had been any delay in getting him into surgery he probably wouldn't have made it," said Olvey, a critical care specialist and director of Neuro Science at the University of Miami, who along with Dr. Terry Trammell, revolutionized safety in auto racing during the 1980s and 1990s.

"The prognosis is much improved with surgery in four to six hours like he was able to receive."

More of the column at SpeedTV (http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/champcar/30414/)

[Tifosi24]

Why is that sports guy grinning???

jono

Seeing as that is the channel I watch in Milwaukee for news, I can say that there isn't anything callous in his presentation. He always seems to have a funny grin on his face no matter what he is talking about. There main sportscast guy would have been worse because his grinning is out of control, good thing he is up in Green Bay for training camp.

[Dr. Corkski]

Seeing as that is the channel I watch in Milwaukee for news, I can say that there isn't anything callous in his presentation. He always seems to have a funny grin on his face no matter what he is talking about. There main sportscast guy would have been worse because his grinning is out of control, good thing he is up in Green Bay for training camp.Speaking of which, is Brett Favre coming back? :gomer:

[Tifosi24]

Speaking of which, is Brett Favre coming back? :gomer:

I'm not sure, but I will have 10 different chances during each newscast tonight to figure out. I love the Packers and all, but good God, did the first day of camp really need 20 minutes of coverage during a 10 o'clock newscast.

[race chica]

I'm not sure, but I will have 10 different chances during each newscast tonight to figure out. I love the Packers and all, but good God, did the first day of camp really need 20 minutes of coverage during a 10 o'clock newscast.

Yup- You live in Wisconsin. The Packers are our "church." J/K-- I hear ya, now until the Packers are done for the season at least 10 min of everynews cast will be devoted to the green and gold (except the morning news in which 1/3 of the broadcast will be on the Pack).

[Fitti Fan]

Why is that sports guy grinning???

jono

Yeah, I thought that it was probably just the poor guy's face and that he always looks that way. Imagine the kind of trouble he gets into breaking up with girlfriends.

Any updates on CDM?

[theunions]

Any updates on CDM?

Just got this from RuSport.



Cristiano da Matta's Condition Continues to Improve

RuSPORT driver making slow, steady progress in intensive care in Wisconsin

LOVELAND, Colo., Aug. 7, 2006, 7:00 pm EDT - The condition of Champ Car World Series driver Cristiano da Matta (#10 RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth / Lola / Bridgestone) continues to improve as he recovers from a serious head injury at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisc. Da Matta was injured after colliding with a deer that ran onto the track near Turn Six at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc., on Thursday afternoon.

Earlier today, Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski, who has been very involved in da Matta's care and recovery process, flew to Wisconsin to monitor the condition of da Matta. He visited da Matta and spoke with da Matta's family and attending physician, Dr. Randall R. Johnson. The following statement is an update on da Matta's medical status.

"Cristiano continues to make slow but steady progress while in the Intensive Care Unit at Theda Clark Medical Center. At this point in his recovery, Dr. Johnson has begun to decrease Cristiano's sedation. The care Cristiano has been receiving has been excellent and he'll remain in the Intensive Care Unit while his condition and progress are being monitored."

[theunions]

The following is snipped from RuSport's pre-race press release.


- Da Matta's No. 10 RuSPORT Car has been withdrawn from competition in the Grand Prix of Denver. Justin Wilson will pilot the No. 9 CDW / RuSPORT Champ Car as scheduled. This will mark the first time in Wilson's Champ Car career that he won't have a teammate for the weekend, and it is also the first time that RuSPORT will run a one-car effort since they came to the Champ Car World Series in 2004.

- RuSPORT will display da Matta's No. 10 Champ Car in the Champ Car Paddock throughout the race weekend in Denver. In addition, the No. 10 RuSPORT team will use the car as they participate in pit stop demonstrations during fan pit walk activities, and at other points during the weekend.

[Anteater]

The RuSPORT site has frequent updates on CdM:
http://www.rusport.com/content/cristiano

Everything sounds cautiously optimistic. :thumbup:

[Elmo T]

I have to say, I am a little disturbed by the lack of any recent updates, but we continue to hope and pray for the best. These injuries take time.

[Elmo T]

Update:

Cristiano da Matta Making Steady Progress
August 9, 2006
RuSPORT driver’s family overwhelmed by the support they’ve received from friends and fans around the world;
RuSPORT and Champ Car to hold press conference on Friday morning on-site at Grand Prix of Denver

LOVELAND, Colo., Aug. 9, 2006, 6:45 pm EDT – Champ Car World Series driver Cristiano da Matta (#10 RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth / Lola / Bridgestone) is making steady progress and continued improvements in his condition as he recovers from a serious head injury at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisc. Da Matta was injured after colliding with a deer that ran onto the track near Turn Six at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc., last Thursday afternoon.

Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski has been in frequent contact with Dr. Randall Johnson at the Neuroscience Group of Northeast Wisconsin, who has been in direct care of da Matta. The following statement is an update on da Matta’s medical status.

"Cristiano's recovery from his head injury continues on a positive trend while still in the intensive care unit at Theda Clark Medical Center. Most of his sedation has been removed and he now is moving all of his extremities spontaneously as well as in response to physical stimulation. We are pleased with Cristiano's progress so far and are hopeful he will continue daily improvement."

Further updates on da Matta’s condition will be issued by RuSPORT as they become available.

Da Matta’s family, who has been at Theda Clark since Saturday morning, said today that they have been overwhelmed by the cards, letters and other messages of support they have received from fans of da Matta. The following is a statement from the da Matta family, which they issued from Theda Clark Medical Center today.

[Anteater]

Continuing the article that ElmoT started:
"We have already received an incredible amount of cards, emails, letters and gifts from all over the world, and we would like to thank everyone very much. The love and support that we have been given during this very difficult time has been very helpful to the family, and we know Cristiano would appreciate it, as well. It has been very uplifting to see so much caring from so many people. The care here at Theda Clark continues to be excellent, and we are very grateful to everyone involved in Cristiano's care for all of their help. To all of Cristiano's fans, we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

RuSPORT and the Champ Car World Series also announced that they will hold a press conference on Friday, August 11, at 9:30 am MDT, at the on-site Media Center at the Grand Prix of Denver. The principals of the press conference will be RuSPORT President Jeremy Dale, and Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski. The purpose of the press conference will be to update the media on da Matta's condition, and the progress of his recovery.

Since da Matta's accident last Thursday, RuSPORT and Champ Car have received many messages of support for da Matta. In response, RuSPORT also announced last Friday that, in lieu of sending flowers and gifts, anyone wishing to express their support for da Matta during his recovery is asked to please make a donation in his name to Hole in the Wall Camps, an official charity of the Champ Car World Series. Donation information can be found by visiting http://www.holeinthewallcamps.org, or by calling 203-562-1203.
http://www.champcarworldseries.com/News/Article.asp?ID=10715

So there should be more news very soon!

[rabbit]

I was cleaning out the garage today and moved some things around on a shelf. Behind an old box and stuck on the wall was a bumper sticker with a picture of Cristiano and his NHR car and the caption: "130 pounds of pure nice guy! Vote Cristiano da Matta for WorldCom Most Popular Driver." Kinda put a smile on my face.

[sundaydriver2]

The guy is going to come out of this A-OK.

He might not be able to drive a Champ Car but as long as he has his wits about him, that would be awesome to me.

Hang in there da Matta.

:)

[RHR_Fan]

I was cleaning out the garage today and moved some things around on a shelf. Behind an old box and stuck on the wall was a bumper sticker with a picture of Cristiano and his NHR car and the caption: "130 pounds of pure nice guy! Vote Cristiano da Matta for WorldCom Most Popular Driver." Kinda put a smile on my face.

I have that on my closet door. It's half torn off, but you can still make it out.

~Nicole

[Anteater]

I was cleaning out the garage today and moved some things around on a shelf. Behind an old box and stuck on the wall was a bumper sticker with a picture of Cristiano and his NHR car and the caption: "130 pounds of pure nice guy! Vote Cristiano da Matta for WorldCom Most Popular Driver." Kinda put a smile on my face.

I have a small circular version of that sticker; I made it into a refrigerator magnet, and it's still decorating my refrigerator. :)

Just want CdM to be happy, healthy, and able to enjoy life with his loved ones.

[cameraman]

From Speed. Posted 8/10


The RuSPORT team has released the latest update on the condition of drive Cristiano da Matta, who continues to improve in his condition as he recovers from a serious head injury at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisc. Da Matta was injured after colliding with a deer that ran onto the track near Turn Six at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc., last Thursday afternoon.

Although still in an induced coma, the Brazilian is making "steady progress," and his sedation was again reduced.

"Cristiano's recovery from his head injury continues on a positive trend while still in the intensive care unit at Theda Clark Medical Center," Champ Car medical director Chris Pinderski stated.

"Most of his sedation has been removed and he now is moving all of his extremities spontaneously as well as in response to physical stimulation. We are pleased with Cristiano's progress so far and are hopeful he will continue daily improvement."

[TKGAngel]

^^^ However, the rest of that Speed article says that Shorty has not yet responded to voice commands. I'll be happy when he's up and walking around; getting back in the car would be the icing on the cake.

[cameraman]

The updated article. Posted this morning.


Cristiano da Matta continues to recover from the head injuries suffered in a crash during a test in his RuSPORT Ford/Cosworth-Lola at Road America on August 3. Doctors say da Matta is no longer under heavy sedation and is making "slow but steady progress," but cannot predict when he will regain consciousness.

"Each day Cristiano progresses a little more," said Champ Car Medical Director Jay Pinderski during a press conference this morning at the Denver Champ Car race.

"For the first few days after his accident he was heavily sedated. He is no longer under sedation and is now making purposeful movements. When someone pinches his left shoulder, for example, he will move his right arm to push them away. That's a good early sign. That said, he is not responding to verbal commands so the future is not known at this point."

Da Matta will likely remain at Theda Clarke Medical Center in Neenah, WI for at least the next two weeks while doctors there continue to monitor his progress. However his prognosis remains uncertain.

"It's safe to say Cristiano is doing a little bit better than we expected," said Pinderski. "He's making slow but steady progress (although) that has planed-off a bit in the last 24 hours. But he's making good progress.

"As long as he does more, day-to-day, that's progress. The outcomes of head injuries are very difficult to predict, but as long as he makes progress each day that's a good sign. But when and if he will wake up, it's too soon to say."

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/champcar/30761/


"But when and if he will wake up, it's too soon to say."

That is the line I was hoping to never see.

[Insomniac]

"But when and if he will wake up, it's too soon to say."

That is the line I was hoping to never see.

The Doctor's have to say that. Any injury to the central nervous system will have an uncertain outcome. The CNS just doesn't heal like other parts of your body with any type of accurate predictability.

[cameraman]

The Doctor's have to say that. Any injury to the central nervous system will have an uncertain outcome. The CNS just doesn't heal like other parts of your body with any type of accurate predictability.

No, they don't have to say that and they don't say that unless they have good reason to.

[Elmo T]

The doc's won't overstate or understate his condition. His condition will change from moment to moment, and slow progress is better than none. I wish we had more information or a better understanding of the future, but I think the medical folks are waiting and hoping, just as the rest of us are.

[cameraman]

Waiting and hoping is all anyone can do.

[Insomniac]

No, they don't have to say that and they don't say that unless they have good reason to.

Next time you see a neurologist or neurosurgeon, ask them if they can tell you a guranteed positive prognosis for someone with a head injury. There are a lot of "we don't knows" when it comes to injuries to the central nervous system.

[cameraman]

I am employed by the Department of Neuroscience & Neuroanatomy. I am familiar with what to say and when to say it. I am also quite familiar with the possible range of outcomes for this type of closed head injury. That statement is not boilerplate for all injuries of this type. It was said because it fits this one particular injury.

[oddlycalm]

"But when and if he will wake up, it's too soon to say."

That is the line I was hoping to never see. Agreed. Fingers crossed.

oc

[Insomniac]

I am employed by the Department of Neuroscience & Neuroanatomy. I am familiar with what to say and when to say it. I am also quite familiar with the possible range of outcomes for this type of closed head injury. That statement is not boilerplate for all injuries of this type. It was said because it fits this one particular injury.

Are we on the same side here? My point was they have no idea what will happen here and that is why they said when and if. It does not by any means things are looking down or up. Doctor's really don't know what the outcome is going to be here. I also can't imagine this wasn't their prognosis before either.

[cameraman]

CHAMP CAR MEDIA TELECONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT CONCERNING CRISTIANO DA MATTA’S MEDICAL CONDITION WITH JEREMY DALE AND DR. CHRIS PINDERSKI

THE MODERATOR: Good morning, everybody. We are here today to talk about the August 3rd incident at Road America between Cristiano da Matta and the deer on the racetrack. I'm joined by Champ Car medical director Dr. Chris Pinderski, RuSPORT president Jeremy Dale. He'll take us through the events of the day and the ongoing process of Cristiano's recovery.

Jeremy, take us through the events. At the end here I would like to say we're on a very tight time schedule today with both Chris and Jeremy having to get out to the track. There will be no one-on-ones so please ask your question as a group.

JEREMY DALE: I'll let Chris handle all of the medical. I'm not going to get near any of that.

More than anything, what I wanted to say was, first of all, thanks to Champ Car and Chris and his team. They did a tremendous job with Cristiano at the racetrack and really made a difference, there's no doubt. He got to that hospital very quickly and has been very well-cared for. Chris can speak to more the technicalities from a medical standpoint, but they really did a phenomenal job. Thank you to Champ Car for continuing to make investment in what I think is the best safety team in racing, period.

A quick update for all of you on Cristiano's family more than anything else. I went out to Wisconsin on Saturday morning. They had quite a time getting up from Brazil. I'm sure many of you know his mother and father, Antonio and Mary, his two younger brothers Gustavo and Philippe. They're a phenomenal family. Just great. I spent four days with them there in Wisconsin. They're doing very, very well.

The outpouring of support that has been given to this family and of course to Cristiano has been incredible. They wanted me to thank -- I left there Wednesday night. They obviously knew where I was going. They wanted me to thank everyone for that support and for all the love and everything that they've received. It's been truly incredible.

Cristiano is not awake yet, but we're getting there. So Chris is going to talk a little bit about that. But that family is not going anywhere. They are all there and they're by his side. The brothers are sleeping at the hospital every night. They're just not going anywhere.

THE MODERATOR: Chris, why don't you give us the latest medical update on what we have on Cristiano and what he's been through so far.

CHRIS PINDERSKI: I'm going to start kind of at the beginning. I'll kind of start from the time he hit the deer at Elkhart Lake. Everybody knows pretty much the details of the incident.

I think when the safety team got to the car, Cristiano was unconscious, so he was unconscious from the moment of impact. The Champ Car safety team extricated him very well from the car. I was actually on scene as well. He remained unconscious throughout the extrication. So we took him to an ambulance and stabilized him in the ambulance. I secured his airway.

Drivers that are unconscious for a prolonged period of time, prior to transport, need a secure airway as we call it in medicine. I did that. We established IV access. Then with the Theda Star helicopter flew him to they to Theda Clark Medical Center, where we knew they had very good neurosurgical support.

Cristiano needed a neurosurgical intervention on an emergency basis. He arrived at the hospital and he received a CAT scan from essentially his head to his pelvis to assure there were no other associated injuries. We didn't expect any, and none were found. But he entered the operating room 1 hour and 37 minutes after the incident, which is excellent in the overall management of head injuries.

I think you all know he suffered a right subdural hematoma, which is bleeding between the brain and a covering of the brain called the dura. When you have one of these injuries, there usually is an associated brain injury underneath that, the bleeding is fairly easy to take care of, however, the brain suffers an injury on a more microscopic and metabolic level that takes time to heal.

People that have these significant head injuries commonly get a significant amount of what's called cerebral edema, which is swelling of the brain. It's expected in these kind of injuries. He has been under very intense management of the brain swelling. It's actually receding.

Since his accident, the first several days he was very heavily sedated. They didn't want Cristiano to have any movements. It really limits his brain activity, to let his brain start to recover. After approximately three to four days, this sedation has been removed and currently he's under no sedation in the intensive care unit at the hospital.

Each day he has progressed a little bit more. This morning I've spoken to both Dr. Randall Johnson, the neurosurgeon, as well as the nursing staff. He's making slow but steady progress. He's doing things like purposeful movement. So, for example, if they physically pinch, for example, his left shoulder, he'll take his right hand and localize that and try to remove whatever stimuli is there.

It's a good early sign to the extent that his brain is able to recognize there's something going on over here and move his arm over to the appropriate place.

That being said, he's not doing anything to command. When they ask him, 'Cristiano, open your eyes,' he's still not doing things like that. He's making slow but steady progress. How the future goes is still unknown at this point.

He's been receiving excellent care in the intensive care unit there. We expect that trend to continue. He'll be there for at least two more weeks and then decisions will be made about where to transfer him for more care.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. What can we look for in the next like week to 10 days as signs of progress? What sort of progress would you be happy with, let's say, over the next week to 10 days?

CHRIS PINDERSKI: Any progress. As long as he's doing more day to day, we view that as progress. Head injuries are very, very difficult to predict what's going to happen. That's what has been the issue with Cristiano's injury and really any significant or major head injury: there's no way to tell what the outcome's going to be. It's literally a day-to-day process.

I think it's safe to say as long as there's positive progress being made each day, that's good. You know, when he's going to wake up, if he's going to wake up, is still unknown at this point. It's just watching him day to day and giving him supportive care. That's about all that can be said right now. It's just too hard to predict because brain injuries are just too tough to predict what's going to happen in the future.

Q. Is it encouraging? If there was no activity at all, he didn't respond to that...

CHRIS PINDERSKI: That would be much worse. In fact, early on, we didn't know how he was going to do. The injury he sustained, although he looked fine on the outside, it's a pretty bad brain injury. When you take a deer hitting your head at 90 miles an hour or so, it's pretty significant.

I think it's safe to say that he's probably a little bit better than we expected at this point. He's made slow but steady progress. It's planed off a little bit in the last 24 hours. But nonetheless, he's doing a little bit more each day, and you have to look at that as a positive.

Q. Sounds like this whole operation couldn't have gone much better. You always learn something from every incident that happened. Have you learned anything?

CHRIS PINDERSKI: This actually couldn't have gone much better. Really the safety team does a great job, are very well-prepared to take care of these kind of things. We carry specifically airway management tools and things like that on the safety trucks and in the ambulances to be able to do these kind of things.

Getting someone into the operating room in less than two hours after a major head injury is excellent. Typically these kind of injuries are treated, you know, two to four hours. We actually had him under that two-hour window, which really helps in his ultimate outcome. Surgical intervention was necessary. The faster you can do it, the better off patients will do.

Q. Jeremy, the reality is, of course, you have to replace him for the rest of the year. Do you have a candidate? Do you think it's something you'll announce after a week or so?

JEREMY DALE: I think in the next week is realistic. For the last, you know, really since Thursday afternoon, when the call came from the racetrack, I was actually here in Colorado, we have been 100% focused on Cristiano and his family and getting him and them everything that they need. That's really been our focus.

To say we haven't had discussions would be a lie. We've had discussions. But it's not been a focal point for us. It will become a focal point here pretty quickly. And I think it's safe to say, you know, within the next seven days we'll make a decision about what we're going to do with the 10 car.

THE MODERATOR: Gary Mason and RuSPORT will be putting out any statements if there's any updates throughout the weekend. This is our statement really today. This is the update for today. If anything should change, we will net you know accordingly. You can go to our website, their website, or we'll put out a release. I thank everybody for their time.

[rabbit]

Just got this email:

Although Cristiano da Matta has not yet fully regained consciousness, his condition continues to improve as he recovers from a serious head injury. The Brazilian driver was injured a fortnight ago after colliding with a deer that ran onto the track near Turn Six at Road America. He has been in intensive care in Wisconsin ever since, with his family at his side.

Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski flew back to Wisconsin today and released the following statement on Cristiano’s medical status. “Cristiano still continues to show daily improvement while in the intensive care unit at Theda Clark Medical Center. He is becoming more alert each day and has been removed from the ventilator that was providing respiratory support since his accident. It is anticipated that he will be transferred from intensive care to a step-down unit in the next 24-48 hours where his recovery will continue.”

Further updates on Cristiano’s condition will appear here when they become available.

During last weekend’s Grand Prix of Denver, fans of Cristiano and RuSPORT turned out en masse to show their support. The team received a substantial amount of cards, gifts and well-wishes throughout the weekend. “We were overwhelmed by the concern and support for Cristiano that we saw in Denver,” said RuSPORT president Jeremy Dale. “RuSPORT would like to thank all of the fans for the support they have given to Cristiano and his family though this difficult time. It’s very comforting to the team and to the da Matta family to know that the fans care so much about Cristiano.” :thumbup:

[Don Quixote]

Great news. I was beginning to worry since we haven't heard anything for awhile. :thumbup: :thumbup:

[racer2c]

Just got this email:
:thumbup:

Thanks for posting that rabbit. Not a day goes by that my wife and I look for news on him.

[Anteater]

Great news; I'm so glad that RuSPORT is keeping the fans in the loop. Thanks, rabbit! :thumbup:

[rabbit]

BTW, FWIW - I get email updates from Justin Wilson's web site and he has been sending out Cristiano updates as well. That's where I got this one.

[Indy]

Beautiful! Continuing prayers for Cristiano.