Several remain hospitalized following pit road accident

Sunday, Oct. 17, 1999 | 2:42 a.m.

Twelve people, including nine members of Tyce Carlson's crew, were injured in Saturday's accident during post-qualifying practice for the Indy Racing League's Mall.com 500.

Crew member Tracy Hash was in serious condition with a broken leg, speedway officials said. Fellow crew members Jeff Howerton and Thomas Bose also were recuperating. Howerton was in stable condition with a broken leg, and Bose was in fair condition with broken ribs, according to hospital officials.

Two other members of Carlson's crew, Greg Height and William Dyer, were scheduled to be released from the hospital today, speedway officials said.

Jonsson, who sustained a slight concussion and was released from the hospital, missed Sunday's season-ending race. Carlson wasn't injured, but his father, Richard Carlson, who has a heart problem, was hospitalized as a precaution and later released.

Jonsson was heading back onto the track after a pit stop when his car jerked left, hit the retaining wall and smacked into Carlson's parked car.

Carlson's crew was working on an electrical problem. They never saw or heard Jonsson coming. The Swede had been building up speed for about 50 yards.

Carlson said he was running today's race for his injured crew members.

"These guys are not only my teammates, but they are also my best friends," he said in a statement before the race. "Today's race is dedicated to them and they will be with me all the way."