PALM SPRINGS, California – Throughout its history, IndyCar has taken great pride in providing some of the best medical care to its participants of any racing series in the world.
From Dr. Thomas Hanna to Dr. Henry Bock, Dr. Steve Olvey and Dr. Terry Trammell, to Dr. Michael Olinger, Dr. Geoffrey Billows and now, Dr. Julia Vaizer, the first female medical directors in IndyCar history, the doctors who tended to the drivers were leaders in the medical field.
This week at the Thermal Club in Thermal, California – site of IndyCar’s first Open Test of 2023 – the next step in that commitment to medical care will be unveiled.
IndyCar and longtime partner IU Health is rolling into its new season with a new mobile medical facility.
Among the features of the IndyCar Medical Unit:
• Four functional areas, one with two hospital beds
• Equipment needed to care for patients with urgent or emergent needs, including a portable X-ray machine, a resuscitation cart and assorted orthopedic care supplies
• Workspace for the doctors and nurses who travel with the sport
• Meeting areas for patient consultation and emergency updates
• Video feeds to enable the staff to monitor the on-track action
“The IndyCar Medical Unit is a product of continued collaboration of IndyCar and IU Health and is an important addition to our continued effort to enhance care for competitors, others who work in the sport and their families,” IndyCar Medical Director Dr. Julia Vaizer said. “The unit will be available to drivers, allowing us to evaluate them in the most efficient yet effective manner to develop next steps. We also will provide that level of care for all members of the paddock.”
The IndyCar Medical Unit will make its debut at the year’s first Open Test, held Thursday- Friday, Feb. 2-3 at The Thermal Club near Palm Springs, California. The transporter with double slide outs will provide an environment for consistent and accessible care during each NTT IndyCar Series and INDY NXT by Firestone event.
Previously, IndyCar’s medical team utilized a combination of a mobile trailer and the facilities available at the venues that host events. With the substantially upgraded mobile unit, the sanctioning body can better serve its growing paddock.
“IndyCar medical has always been the industry standard of care and service in motorsports,” IndyCar President Jay Frye said. “The investment into the IndyCar Medical Unit is an important step in continuing that expectation and assuring that all personnel will receive excellent care.”
The IndyCar Medical Unit will be available during the hours the garages are open, and IndyCar will work with local officials to determine the most strategic location for the unit at each venue.