Johnson completed half the session before crashing into the barriers. Photo: Kevin Dejewski
Jimmie Johnson has revealed that he injured his right hand when he ran his Chip Ganassi Racing Honda into the tire barriers during Friday practice.
Johnson was one of a couple drivers to misjudge turn 5, and hit the undertray of his car on the inside curbing.
The impact lifted his front wheels off the ground momentarily, and send him straight on into the tire barriers that did their job in slowing the car down safely.
His onboard replay showed that he did not take his hands off the steering wheel in time, however, and had his hands rapped by the fast-spinning wheel.
“As you can see, I’m a little banged up here and have a splint on,” said Jimmie showing off a splint immobilizing his pinkie and ring finger.
“First and foremost apologies to the fans at the autograph session. I wasn’t able to attend and clearly have something else going on here.
“I’m on my way to be further evaluated just to get a good honest look and understand what my options are. Really don’t have any clarity at this point, and I look forward to updating you all very soon.”
Drivers have raced with banged up hands in the past, but an IndyCar does not have power steering and the bumpy street course may put too much strain on the injury if it is indeed a serious concern.
It is expected that updates will follow tomorrow before the morning practice session that gets underway at 8:45AM Pacific Time.
Keyword: Johnson injured hand in Long Beach practice crash