Tony Kanaan's sense of humor wasn't singed following the pit lane fire in the Rexall Edmonton Indy on July 26. On a Twitter update, Kanaan bestowed the nickname TK the Torch on himself.
Kaanan has been cleared by Indy Racing League medical officials to compete Aug. 1 in the Meijer Indy 300 Presented by Red Barron and Edy's at Kentucky Speedway.
The scary situation developed during what was supposed to be a routine Lap 34 pit stop when the fueling hose remained open after the service, splashing 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol onto the side of the No. 11 Team 7-Eleven car and on Kanaan. The fuel ignited as the car left the pit stall and a second later Kanaan scrambled to extricate himself as Team Penske, Target Chip Ganassi Racing and Panther Racing crew members rushed to douse the car and driver with water to retard the flames.
Kanaan's hands didn't sustain any burns, though they were bandaged as a precaution after the incident. He has a small mark on his chin and left nostril.
"I need to thank the crews of Ganassi and Penske and Panther. It was amazing how quickly they responded and I am glad I'm OK," Kanaan said. "It looked a lot worse on TV than if you saw me right now. We have great people working for us, the firesuit, helmet and gloves worked fine and I'm glad nobody was hurt. We just have to move on."
Two Andretti Green Racing crew members in the center of the incident also were evaluated by the Indy Racing League medical staff and cleared to resume activities.
7/28 :: Kanaan cleared to drive
07-30-2009, 04:40 PM
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