Ho-Pin Tung is trying to become the first Chinese driver to start the Indy 500, however he was dealt a setback when he crashed an suffered a concussion (although they said it was a “mild” concussion, we all know where I stand on that label). This information was delivered to me via twitter from @djcraske (if you are an open wheel or Indy follower it is a MUST that you get on with @djcraske). Indycar.com had this follow up;
Tung averaged 224.340 mph over the first three laps on the 2.5-mile oval when the No. 8 Schmidt Dragon Racing car spun in Turn 1 and made rearward contact with the SAFER Barrier. It slid down the track into Turn 2.
Tung exited the car without assistance from the Holmatro Safety Team. After being evaluated at the Indiana University Medical Infield Care Center, he was transported to Methodist Hospital for further evaluation. A CT scan and MRI didn’t show any damage.
The INDYCAR medical team will repeat his IMPACT test in seven day — per series rules — to determine at that time if he is medically cleared for racing.
Below is a video of the crash…
The Concussion Blog 
There were four (4) significant accidents at Indianapolis during practice and qualifications this year. Simona de Silvestro had a mechanical failure and hit the wall 2x, including going over the wall and into the catch fence. Ryan Briscoe spun on Saturday and had a similar-style accident in Turn 2. Finally, Patrick Carpentier spun in Ho-Pin Tung’s team car in the same place. Thankfully, all three drivers were eventually cleared to drive again, though only de Silvestro & Briscoe made the race.
I saw Ho-Pin on Sunday, and he stated he had a clear head and was fine, but understood the league’s decision to hold him out of qualifying and the race. This was Ho-Pin’s only scheduled event of 2011, but believes another race may be in the works.
I will monitor for any reported concussions on Friday (Carb Day) & Sunday (Indy 500), as well as throughout the season.