LONG BEACH, Calif. — Jimmie Johnson’s right wrist has been placed in a splint after his crash in Friday’s practice for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. He is undergoing further evaluation.
At one point in the session Johnson lost control of his No. 48 Carvana/American Legion Honda and drove straight into a tire barrier.
In-car footage showed that Johnson barely got his hands off the wheel before the sudden impact with the barrier.
“That was me just being greedy with the curbs there,” Johnson said. “I could see a lot of black on those curbs. Guys were taking it. It just got a touch too much. The bottom of the car, the tub hit.
“Once that happened, I was four wheels in the air and wide into the tire barriers. I had been on them; I just got a little too much on them.
“I think my hand will be OK.”
Johnson posted a video to Twitter to give an update.
“Hey everybody, as you can see, I’m a little banged up here and have a splint on,” Johnson said. “First and foremost apologies to the fans at the autograph session I wasn’t able to attend. Clearly, I’ve got something else going on here.
“I’m on my way to be further evaluated just to get a good honest look and understand what my options are. I really don’t have any clarity at this point. And I look forward to updating you all very soon.”
Chip Ganassi Racing IMSA Cadillac driver Sebastien Bourdais has offered to fill in if needed.
“I heard about it just jumping out of the car because Jimmie posted a video,” Bourdais said. “I think he’s got to run some tests and see how he feels. If the team wants me to drive the car, obviously I’m contracted to the team.
“I’ll do whatever they want me to do, but they haven’t asked, and I don’t even think we’re there yet. I just really hope that he’s fine and can race this weekend because he’s obviously showing better pace, and you just don’t want to get setbacks. I’m sure he’s tough, and he’ll be fine.”
This story will be updated.
Update from Long Beach pic.twitter.com/pRGO2jPLmm
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) April 9, 2022