Backstretch Motorsports

Three drivers were involved in incidents during yesterday’s practice and qualifiying session at the Indianapolis Motor SPeedway. Mike Conway, Alex Tagliani and John Andretti all encountered trouble in Turn 1. Tagliani and Andretti were uninjured while Conway was admitted to Methodist Hospital in good condition with bruised lungs.

Conway has been released from Methodist Hospital. He had been admitted in good condition following the crash.

Due to a mild concussion, Conway will not be medically cleared to drive until he is evaluated by Indy Racing League doctors on May 15. He is not expected to resume participating in on-track activity until at least May 16.

“I’m feeling okay.” said Conway “I just want to thank the safety crew and the IndyCar Series medical staff for recovering me from the car and for taking good care of me. I’m feeling much better and recovering well after one day.”

“The most important thing is that Mike is okay.”added Robbie Buhl, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing co-owner. “We will get everything back together and be ready next weekend.”

Scott Sharp, who withdrew his first run and was bumped out of the field by A.J. Foyt IV with roughly 10 minutes to go, qualified 20th with a four-lap average of 222.162 mph in his No. 16 Tequila Patrón Panther Racing Honda-powered Dallara. Positions 11-22 were filled Sunday after starting spots 1-11 were filled Saturday.

The 1996 IndyCar Series co-champion qualified for the 2009 Indianapolis 500 on his final attempt of the day with a dramatic last-minute run that bumped E.J. Viso out of the provisional grid of 22 cars.