Cristiano da Matta is making steady progress and continued improvements in his condition as he recovers from a serious head injury at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisc. The former Toyota driver was injured after colliding with a deer that ran onto the track near Turn Six at Road America in Elkhart Lake last Thursday afternoon.

Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski has been in frequent contact with Dr. Randall Johnson at the Neuroscience Group of Northeast Wisconsin, who has been in direct care of da Matta. The following statement is an update on da Matta’s medical status:

"Cristiano's recovery from his head injury continues on a positive trend while still in the intensive care unit at Theda Clark Medical Center. Most of his sedation has been removed and he now is moving all of his extremities spontaneously as well as in response to physical stimulation. We are pleased with Cristiano's progress so far and are hopeful he will continue daily improvement."

Da Matta’s family, who has been at Theda Clark since Saturday morning, said today (Wednesday) that they have been overwhelmed by the cards, letters and other messages of support they have received from fans. The following is a statement from the da Matta family, which they issued from Theda Clark Medical Center today (Wednesday).

"We have already received an incredible amount of cards, emails, letters and gifts from all over the world, and we would like to thank everyone very much. The love and support that we have been given during this very difficult time has been very helpful to the family, and we know Cristiano would appreciate it, as well. It has been very uplifting to see so much caring from so many people. The care here at Theda Clark continues to be excellent, and we are very grateful to everyone involved in Cristiano’s care for all of their help. To all of Cristiano’s fans, we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

RuSPORT and the Champ Car World Series announced that they will hold a press conference on Friday, August 11, at the on-site Media Center at the Grand Prix of Denver. The principals of the press conference will be RuSPORT President Jeremy Dale, and Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski. The purpose of the press conference will be to update the media on da Matta’s condition, and the progress of his recovery.

Since da Matta’s accident last Thursday, RuSPORT and Champ Car have received many messages of support for da Matta. In response, RuSPORT announced last Friday that, in lieu of sending flowers and gifts, anyone wishing to express their support for da Matta during his recovery is asked to please make a donation in his name to Hole in the Wall Camps, an official charity of the Champ Car World Series.