IPS: Perez hospitalised after five-car shunt.

Indy Pro Series rookie Pablo Perez was airlifted to hospital following a serious accident marred the season-opening round at Homestead-Miami Speedway, bringing the event to an early conclusion.

Chip Ganassi driver Perez touched wheels with the #4 Guthrie Racing car of Sean Guthrie on lap 47 of 67, sending both race cars into the wall, with Perez's car appearing to rise above the SAFER barrier and collect the catch fencing. Debris from the incident then led to Shane Lewis, Micky Gilbert and Joey Scarallo all becoming embroiled in the incident.

While the other four drivers appeared to get off lightly, Perez was moved to the circuit's medical centre before being airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital with what are reported to be serious leg injuries. The Argentine, however, is also reported to be conscious and aware of what is going on around him.

"I don't really know exactly what caused the accident," Guthrie said afterwards, "We were both racing pretty aggressively, side-by-side, and got together. It's a bad way to start the year."

Another rookie, Ryan Justice, was also taken to Jackson Memorial following an accident precipitated by former IPS champion losing his nosecone against the barriers. Justice's #38 Sam Schmidt Motorsports car hit the debris, sending it into the wall. The American was later released from hospital following a period of observation.