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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 9:19 a.m., Saturday, May 17, 2008

Autos: Dominguez, Papis crash during Indy practice

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Rookie driver Mario Dominguez and veteran Max Papis crashed without injury during practice today for the Indianapolis 500.

Dominguez, a 32-year-old Mexican, went low going into the first turn and slid into the outside wall with the right side of his car with about 15 minutes left in practice before Saturday's qualifications. Then, just as the checkered flag was being waved to end practice, Papis went hard into the wall in the third turn.

Both were taken to the infield hospital for routine examinations and were released and cleared to drive.

Dominguez, the Champ Car rookie of the year in 2002, drove six seasons in that series and was third in his only previous start this season at Long Beach, Calif.

Papis, a 38-year-old Italian, drove in two previous Indy 500s, with a best finish of 14th in 2006.