Grand Prix spectator hit by race car debris in hospital

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) – A spectator remains hospitalized after a piece of debris flew over the grandstands and fractured her skull during the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

The Tampa Bay Times (http://bit.ly/1CsIYNO) reports that the injury happened as Brigitte Hoffstetter was walking in the concession area near Turn 10 during Sunday’s race.

A piece of carbon fiber from one of the IndyCars flew over the grandstands about 100 yards from the track and struck her in the head.

Hoffstetter was treated quickly by St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue at the track’s on-site medical unit, then taken to a nearby hospital. Her husband said doctors expect her to recover.

The incident occurred early in the race and IndyCar Series officials are reaching out to the woman’s family to see if they can help.