da Matta Critical in Hospital

August 5 - Champ Car World Series driver Cristiano da Matta remains in intensive care at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, WI. Da Matta collided with a deer that had run onto the track near Turn Six at Road America in Elkhart Lake, on Thursday afternoon.

Dr. Chris Pinderski, Champ Car director of Medical Affairs, released the following statement from the hospital:

"Cristiano da Matta continues to recover from a serious head injury sustained yesterday during Champ Car Open Testing at Road America. He remains in the Intensive Care Unit at Theda Clark Memorial Hospital in Neenah, Wisconsin and is under close observation by the attending neurosurgeons."

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da Matta underwent emergency surgery after being involved in an on-track incident during Friday’s open test session at Road America. Da Matta collided with a deer that had wandered onto the track.

Pinderski earlier stated, "After arriving at Theda Clark Medical Center, a head CT scan showed Cristiano had suffered a subdural hematoma. He was urgently taken to the operating room for surgical removal of the hematoma."

Further updates concerning da Matta's condition will be released when they become available.

RuSPORT has also announced that it has withdrawn the No. 10 RuSPORT Champ Car from competition in the Grand Prix of Denver, which will take place on Sunday, Aug. 13. Da Matta's teammate, Justin Wilson will compete in the Grand Prix of Denver as scheduled.

In response to numerous inquiries made by da Matta's friends and fans, RuSPORT has also announced that, in lieu of sending flowers and gifts, anyone wishing to express their support for da Matta during his recovery is asked to please make a donation in his name to Hole in the Wall Camps, an official charity of the Champ Car World Series.

Donation information can be found by visiting www.holeinthewallcamps.org, or by calling 203-562-1203.

CP