 Rice won last year's Indy 500 from pole |
Defending Indy 500 champion Buddy Rice will not drive in this year's race because of injury. The Rahal Letterman team driver hurt his back and sustained concussion in a crash in practice last Wednesday.
The 29-year-old was told on Tuesday that he would not get medical clearance for the race on 29 May.
"Physically I feel fine, but I have to trust the Speedway and IRL medical team because they are looking out for my safety," said Rice.
Rice has been told to rest and will be re-assessed in three weeks.
Rahal Letterman co-owner Bobby Rahal said the team was looking to draft in a replacement driver.
MMIX
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