The most horrifying moment of the run-up to the 2011 Indy 500 was Swiss racer Simona De Silvestro’s fiery crash during practice last week. Fortunately, Silvestro escaped with minor injuries, is recovering from them, and still expects to race in the Indianapolis 500 this Sunday.
2011 Indy 500: Simona De Silvestro Recovering From Practice Crash
De Silvestro, the highest-qualified of four women in the Indy 500 field, suffered second-degree burns on her hands and has been wearing gauze bandages this week. She also acquired the nickname “The Swiss Missile” from fellow driver Will Power; even if it’s making light of what appeared to be a very serious crash, it’s an admittedly amusing nickname.
De Silvestro made her Indianapolis 500 debut in 2010, and placed 14th. She is just 22, and will be one of the youngest drivers in the Indy 500 field.
For more on the race, stay with our 2011 Indy 500 StoryStream. Be sure to head over to Pop Off Valve for all things IndyCar, including the three excellent Indy 500 resources: The Indy 500 experience, Indy 500 traditions and the history of the Indy 500 and the Brickyard.
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