Hearn returns to cockpit.
Indy Racing League driver Richie Hearn returned to the cockpit for the first time since being injured at Kentucky Speedway, when he turned laps with Sam Schmidt Motorsport at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this week.
Hearn, who has been out of action since the accident which broke his right foot in August, saw the test as the first stage in his rehabilitation, with one eye on a full season in the IRL next year. He started ten races in 2002, nine with Schmidt and one with AJ Foyt Racing.
Indy Racing League driver Richie Hearn returned to the cockpit for the first time since being injured at Kentucky Speedway, when he turned laps with Sam Schmidt Motorsport at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this week.
Hearn, who has been out of action since the accident which broke his right foot in August, saw the test as the first stage in his rehabilitation, with one eye on a full season in the IRL next year. He started ten races in 2002, nine with Schmidt and one with AJ Foyt Racing.
"He did great - everything's fine," team boss Schmidt said, "It's like falling off a horse. After about 30 laps, he was running flat out."
"It felt really good," the 31-year old Hearn reported, "Mentally, I knew I could still drive. My foot's at 95 per cent and, although the bone is still bruised, it gave me no problem.
"Of course, I want to get back to racing and, hopefully, Sam will have a programme together and we can race next year at Homestead. If not, then Indy."
The eighth Indy Racing League season starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway on 2 March 2003.
