RuSport driver Cristiano DaMatta has been involved in a major testing accident at Road America today and has been airlifted to a local hospital. His condition is unknown at this time.

A source has indicated that his car struck a deer but this has not been confirmed.

Press release from RuSport:

ELKHART LAKE, Wisc., Aug. 3, 2006 – Champ Car World Series driver Cristiano da Matta (#10 RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth / Lola / Bridgestone) was involved in an on-track incident during today’s open test session at Road America. Da Matta collided with a deer that had wandered onto the track, at approximately 3:08 pm CDT today.

Da Matta was quickly airlifted to Theda Clark Memorial Hospital in Neenah, Wisc. No further information on his condition is available at this time. Updates will be released by RuSPORT as they become available.

From Speedtv.com:

According to an eyewitness, da Matta was heading for Turn 6 at Road America when the deer ran out in front of him and struck the right front of his RuSPORT Lola. The deer caromed into the cockpit as da Matta smashed into the tire barrier with his foot still planted on the throttle.

Update from RuSport:

LOVELAND, Colo., Aug. 3, 2006 – Champ Car World Series driver Cristiano da Matta (#10 RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth / Lola / Bridgestone) underwent emergency surgery after being involved in an on-track incident during today’s open test session at Road America. Da Matta collided with a deer that had wandered onto the track, at approximately 3:08 pm CDT today.

Statement From Dr. Chris Pinderski, Champ Car Director of Medical Affairs:

“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 and is now being observed in the intensive care unit.”

Updates concerning da Matta’s condition will be released when they become available.

RuSPORT has also announced that Justin Wilson and the No. 9 CDW / RuSPORT team will not participate in the final day of The Champ Car World Series Open Test at Road America on Friday, Aug. 3.

Update Aug 4:

Cristiano DaMatta remains in a coma so the doctors can try to reduce the swelling in his brain.

His vital signs are stable.

We may know more in the next 24 hours.

Press Release from RuSport August 4th

LOVELAND, Colo., Aug. 4, 2006, 3:20 pm EDT – Champ Car World Series driver Cristiano da Matta (#10 RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth / Lola / Bridgestone) is continuing to recover at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisc. Da Matta collided with a deer that had run onto the track near Turn Six at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc., yesterday 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.”

Updates concerning da Matta’s condition will be released when they become available HERE

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