SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Champ Car World Series rookie Tristan Gommendy, injured in a crash during qualifying for last weekend's race in Canada has been cleared to drive this week in the San Jose Grand Prix.
Gommendy was held out of last Sunday's race in Edmonton, Alberta, after an MRI revealed swelling of two vertebrae.
Gommendy, who drives for PKV Racing, was examined by orthopedic specialist Dr. Terry Trammell on Tuesday in Indianapolis. Trammell said the 27-year-old French driver wouldn't risk further injury to his back by racing this week.
"Tristan has compression fractures without deformity of the 11th and 12th thoracic vertebrae," Trammell said. "The fractures are minor and they are stable. Because of the way the seat of a Champ Car fits, he is able to drive. In fact, the seatbelts and seat act as a brace. The only limitation on Tristan's ability to drive will be the degree of pain, if any, he experiences."
Gommendy was replaced at Edmonton by Mario Dominguez, who finished last in the race when his engine blew. But the Mexican driver will have another temporary ride this week, replacing injured Pacific Coast Motorsports rookie Ryan Dalziel, who broke a collarbone Tuesday in a cycling accident.
"Mario brings a wealth of experience to our rookie program and we are pleased that he is able to step in for us at the last minute," said Tyler Tadevic, PCM's team director. "Mario is a proven race winner and a very knowledgeable driver. We think he will be a great fit within our organization.
Dalziel, who broke his collarbone after falling off his bicycle while training, will also be examined by Trammell to determine when he can return to the cockpit.
