Latest Update on Tomas Enge - good news!

For those who follow the sportscar scene - the PWL F430 was involved in a serious crash in St. Pete while Tomas was leading GT2.

This is good news for Tomas but the car is apparently a write-off. Tomas also drives an F430 for Scuderia Ecosse and is listed as a driver for the Aston 007 at Le Mans in June. With his attitude, he'll have a speedy recovery and return back to racing. Having seen him at several ALMS podiums, this guy really has a great sense of humor.

Tomas, Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Carol

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Tomas Enge / Petersen Motorsports/White Lightning Racing Update
Petersen Motorsport’s latest update on Tomas Enge follows below – dsc will be speaking to Tomas as soon as he is feeling up to it and we’ll be happy to pass on anyone’s messages to him either in person or by posting them here – If you’d like to pass on a message to Tomas via dsc please email it to [email protected]

Petersen Motorsports/White Lightning Racing driver Tomas Enge will undergo surgery to repair his broken left elbow on Friday, April 6. Tomas, who was injured in an accident while leading the GT2 class at the Sports Car Challenge at St. Petersburg American Le Mans Series race, will travel from Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Fla. to Indianapolis, Ind. for the surgery. Due to a partially collapsed lung, Enge cannot be transported by air. Therefore, the four-time American Le Mans Series race winner will travel in team owner Michael Petersen’s motorhome to Indianapolis.

Following the 24 hour drive from Florida to Indiana, Enge is scheduled to arrive in Indianapolis on Thursday, April 5. He will then be admitted to Methodist Hospital and will have his first face-to-face visit with Dr. Terry Trammell. Trammell, the renowned orthopedic surgeon who has helped scores of professional race drivers return to the cockpit after serious injury, has reviewed Enge’s X-Rays and is preparing for the surgery. Once the surgical procedures have been completed, Enge will remain in Indianapolis for rehabilitation.

Despite what is, at times, overpowering soreness from the impact, Enge’s spirits and attitude remain high. He is excited about moving on to the next level of his rehabilitation and ultimate homecoming with the Dale White-managed team. He will return to the #31 MMPIE/PAWS/Petersen Holdings/Michelin Ferrari F430 GT upon the clearance of Dr. Trammell.

According to the team, the injuries are not as bad as originally feared. The reported ankle injury is less intense that was first thought and is minor in comparison to the rest. Besides the elbow and the collapsed lung, Tomas also has some broken ribs. While he is in considerable pain, there are no further injuries, contrary to rumors floating around various places.

The car is a write off and the team is evaluating their options. They hope to be able to compete at Long Beach, but details are still being sorted out. It is a busy time for the team, but now that they know Tomas will be OK, they can concentrate on getting a new car up and running, as well as sorting out the Corsa entry, which was damaged at Sebring.

Original reports at the track and on television seemed to indicate that a throttle had jammed and contributed to the wreck. The team is not sure exactly what happened, they have ruled out any mechanical failures. The thought is that the impact into the wall may have caused the throttle to jam, at least momentarily.

Tomas stated through Petersen Motorsports/White Lightning Racing, “the first thing I want to say is how much I appreciate everything that everyone has done for me. The doctors and nurses here at Bayfront have been very good to me. The American Le Mans Series, IMSA and the whole Petersen/White Lightning team have been here since the first moment and helped take care of all the details. I have had so many people call and email that it will take me time to respond to everyone but it is very nice to have so many people care. Panoz and Panther Racing even offered me the use of their jets. It means a lot to me. I can’t even say how much it means. We are working with Indianapolis Medical Center and Dr. Trammell. We will have the surgery there because I want to be in the best hands of the best people. They know the race car drivers. I will leave here today and I am ready to get on to the next step to get back into the car. Otherwise, I am still in quite big pain but everything is going fine. Hopefully the surgery will be good and we’ll be back on the track as soon as possible.”

 

Thanks Ron,Tony, Apex and Andreas (great photos). Sometimes on this forum, the "other" racing Ferraris are forgotten! Thus far in the ALMS races, the 430 has done a magnificent job in the GT2 class.

Next ALMS race is another street course - Long Beach on the 14th.

Thanks all,
Carol

 

Andreas - I was thinking about other than F1 racing. There's quite a number of F430's running in the different series. I hope that the PWL other 430 (the red one) that was sent back to Italy for repair will be running at Long Beach. Word had it that it might not be until the Utah race in May. You're correct that it's good to see them so competitive. We'll be at Road America - would like to have been able to meet you, but do enjoy your F1 trip (our one F1 trip is Spa).

Carol

 

This is fantastic news . . .according to Dr. Weber the two hour operation went smoothly with the elbow fractures coming together in great position. Two plates and screws, no cast and a rx for rehab in two weeks the doctor barring any unforeseen complications, will start Enge driving go-karts to exercise the muscles in the elbow and arm. They may place him back at the wheel of the PWL Ferrari for the ALMS Lime Rock race 7 July. Looks like he might be missing Le Mans and the 007 Aston Martin.

Great news.

Carol

 

That's the truth - apparently the doctor in Indianapolis is exceptional and has done wonderful things for other race car drivers as well.

Carol

Andreas . . enjoy Hungary, there's always next year.