APRIL 15, 2004

Dixon suffers minor fracture at Motegi

Formula 1 hopeful Scott Dixon has suffered a hairline fracture to his left ankle in a practice crash at Motegi in Japan. The Indy Racing League driver crashed during the first practice session for this weekend's Indy Japan 300. The Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver lost control of his car in Turn 4 and spun through 180-degrees before hitting the wall with the left hand side of the car. The New Zealander was able to climb unaided from the wreck but was obviously in pain. He was taken to the Dokkyo University School of Medicine Hospital where it was found that he had suffered a small fracture to his left ankle. It may not be bad enough to stop Dixon racing this weekend but he still needs clearance from IRL doctors before being allowed to race.

Several other drivers crashed in the same corner including Tomas Scheckter, Sam Hornish Jr. and Tora Takagi.