Indy Racing League driver Davy Jones is listed in serious condition at an Orlando, Florida hospital today after suffering a head injury in a spectacular crash during practice for Saturday's Indy 200.
The crash occurred at 11:45 a.m. EST when Jones' Monsoon-Galles Racing Oldsmobile Aurora got sideways in the third turn, slid 160 feet into the dirt in the middle of the turn and continued sideways more than 200 feet before striking the outside wall.
The car did a half-spin and slid 200 feet, hitting the inside wall and continuing another 60 feet before coming to rest in the infield grass near the starting line.
The 32-year-old Jones was taken by helicopter to Orlando Regional Medical Center. He initially was listed in critical condition, but was upgraded to serious at 4:32 p.m. EST. His vital signs are stable and he is being treated in the hospital's critical care unit.
"The news from ORMC is encouraging where Davy Jones remains hospitalized," said Dr. Henry Bock, track medical director.
Jones apparently suffered a concussion, according to Rick Galles, a spokesman for the Monsoon-Galles racing team.
"Mary Elizabeth (Jones' wife) called and said he's doing a little bit better, which we're very, very thankful for," Galles said. "We've looked at the films, we've still got to study our data. It looks like all the tires were inflated, nothing broke on the car. It was his second lap on his hot lap (and) it looks like he might have lost it down there in turn three. I don't know for sure what happened."
This morning, Jones posted the third-fastest qualifying time with a top speed of 164.556 miles per hour.
As far as replacing Jones for Saturday's race, Galles said the health of his top driver is more important.
"We're going to wait and see what his condition is. If everything is positive as far as he's concerned in his recovery then we'll go ahead and try to find a second driver to run the race," he explained.
