INDIANAPOLIS — Chuck Buckman, the Indy 500 chief mechanic who was injured when Danica Patrick’s IndyCar hit him in pit lane during a May 9 practice session, was released from Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis May 13.
Buckman suffered a traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and a skull fracture, but has recovered to the point where he can continue convalescence at home. Buckman is the chief mechanic for Mario Moraes at Dale Coyne Racing.
“The only problem I am having right now is a case of vertigo when I sit or stand up,” Buckman said. “Besides that, my right arm is bruised all over. I have a fracture in my skull, my face is scraped and I have to wear a neck brace for a month.
“Other than that, I feel fine and want to get back to work.”
Patrick was pulling her car into her pit area when Buckman walked in front of her car. The contact sent Buckman flying about four feet into the air before landing on his face and head, which rendered him unconscious.
He was later revived and sent to the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital before he was moved to a private room May 11.
“All I remember at this point was walking down pit lane to get my jacket, and I stopped off to talk with someone from Marco Andretti’s crew, then everything after that is blank,” Buckman said. “I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time.
“It was not Danica’s fault and I do not hold her to blame for what happened. In my 35 years in auto racing, this is the first time anything this bad has happened to me. I’m just thankful that I’m still alive.”