"When tragedy strikes, we're like a big family in the garage area," said Carlson, who has driven before for PDM.

Carlson, who finished 13th, wasn't hurt in the accident Saturday, but was so shaken up he considered withdrawing.

He felt better by race time as only three crew members remained hospitalized. Two were in fair condition and one was serious, all with broken bones.

The names of the injured teammates was stenciled onto Carlson's No. 20 car underneath the statement "Get Well Soon!"

"These guys are not only teammates, they are also my best friends," Carlson said. "Today's race is dedicated to them. They will be with me all the way."

The accident occurred when rookie Niclas Jonsson lost control of his car on his way back to the track. His car jerked left, hit the retaining wall and smacked Carlson's parked car, which was being tended to by the crew.

Jonsson, who was hospitalized briefly after suffering a slight concussion, said he didn't want to comment on what went wrong until after his car is be examined. Team co-owner Ed Rachanski said he's guessing it was an electrical problem.

Jonsson's car was damaged too badly for him to compete Sunday.

"I am very concerned about Tyce's crew members and I am upset about it," said Jonsson, who had qualified last for what would've been his second IRL start. "I'm really sorry it happened."

Going once, going twice ...
The Indy car Jeff Ward drove in Sunday's Mall.com 500 could be yours, if the price is right.

Ward's engine went out on the 145th lap, ending what had been a strong day. He had driven the car to second at the Indianapolis 500 and the MCI WorldCom 200 this season.

The car, which was previously driven by Roberto Guerrero, is eligible for use in the 2000 IRL season. The new owner will get it in the condition it finished Sunday's race.

"When I see race cars in a museum, if they look pristine, like they're brand new, I always wonder if it's the real thing," co-owner Allan Pagan said. "If it rolls off the race track and into a museum, it's truly authentic."

In June, Team Pelfrey was put up for sale on the eBay website, but it came off the auction block because the opening bid was not met.

Welcome back
John Paul Jr. returned to the IRL Sunday at the track where he earned his only victory on the circuit, but his chance at winning again ended early.

Paul was driving the Big Daddy's Beef Jerky-Cole Bros. No. 30 car entered by McCormack Motorsports. He won last September's race for Jonathan Byrd-Cunningham Racing.

He'd been out of a ride since the team suspended operations after he finished 11th and 22nd in the first two races this season.

Speed bumps