Indycar driver airlifted to hospital following Pocono crash (Video)

Robert Wickens has been transported following the Indycar Series crash at Pocono Raceway today

UPDATE: Various updates from Indycar to the media on the Wickens’ current medical condition are attached at the bottom of this post.

Lap 9 of the Indycar Series race at Pocono Raceway saw a huge crash. The heavy impact and extensive damage brought out the red flag. Following a yellow, this was essentially the first lap of the event

Robert Wickens got a run on Ryan Hunter-Reay as they raced for the 3rd position. He looked to the inside and all but pulled even. Just before the corner, Hunter-Reay nosed back ahead.

“I was in the draft of Power ahead of me. So, I started pulling ahead,” said Hunter-Reay.

Hunter-Reay left him a car length on the bottom lane as they went into the corner. But, that’s all that he left him. As a result, Wickens ran out of room, clipping the apron. Wickens then slid up the track and spun around taking Hunter-Reay with him.

“Once we got to [turn] two, he was at my corner, at best. I mean, barely there,” said Hunter-Reay. “It’s one of those corners where if you’re not up alongside … I thought, at that point, I had cleared him. I left a lane. I left a half a lane. I gotta look at it again. I was pretty shocked I got hit in the back.”

As Wickens went around he went airborne of the nose of Hunter-Reay. Wickens then collected the catch fence and pirouetted along the safety fence.

Robert Wickens indycar crash at Pocono Raceway

Wickens landed back on the race track, wheels up. But, the wheels were no longer attached to the cokpit. Cars came into the scene with nowhere to go. Several race cars were collected in the crash.

Multiple drivers visited the infield care center. Pietro Fittipaldi, James Hinchcliffe, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Takuma Sato were all checked on released at the Long Pond, PA race track.

“I was lucky to get out of that one,” said Hunter-Reay. “We’re just thinking about Robert.”

Wickens has been transported to Leah High Valley Cedar Crest Hospital via helicopter. It was reported by the series that the driver was alert before he was transported.

As officials collected the race car they covered the car with a tarp.

“We can only hope one thing, that Robbie, Hinch and everyone involved is ok. These are the dangers we face, but we always hate to see it. The start can be debated for years, but doesn’t matter right now, focus on the well being of our friends and competitors,” Graham Rahal tweeted.

“Praying for @robertwickens & the rest of the drivers involved at Pocono,” Stefan Wilson tweeted.

Beyond relieved that Robert Wickens is awake and alert. wishing all the best to him and Hinchtown,” Dario Franchitti tweeted. “It’s at moments like this that the amazing AMR @IndyCar safety team come into their own.

Indycar statement on the crash:

“After the Lap 6 incident sent us to red flag conditions, our cars are back on track. Robert Wickens, who was awake and alert, has been transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital. Several other drivers were checked and cleared at the infield medical center: Pietro Fittipaldi, James Hinchcliffe, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Takuma Sato.”

“Part of the delay in the statement had to due with multiple drivers in the care center.”

Update – Aug 19th:

Indycar has issued the following update on Robert Wickens:

“Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver Robert Wickens is being treated for injuries to his lower extremities, right arm and spine following an incident in the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway.”

“He also sustained a pulmonary contusion. He will undergo an MRI and probable surgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest. Further updates on his condition will be provided when available.”

Update – Aug 20th:

Indycar has issued the following update on Robert Wickens:

“ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania (Monday, Aug. 20, 2018) – Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver Robert Wickens continues to be treated at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest following injuries sustained in the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, Aug. 19.”

“An MRI was instrumental in revealing the most appropriate surgical course and Wickens is undergoing surgery Monday evening for a spinal injury.”

Update – Aug 21st:

ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania (Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018) – Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver Robert Wickens underwent surgery Monday, Aug. 20 at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest to stabilize a thoracic spinal fracture associated with a spinal cord injury sustained during the INDYCAR event at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, Aug. 19.

Titanium rods and screws were placed successfully in Wickens’ spine during the surgery, which was performed without complication. The severity of the spinal cord injury is indeterminate at this time. Wickens is expected to undergo further surgeries to treat fractures in his lower extremities and right forearm. He remains in stable condition.

Update – Aug 24th:

ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania (Friday, Aug. 24, 2018) — Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver Robert Wickens continues to be treated at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest for injuries sustained during the INDYCAR event at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, Aug. 19.

Surgeries were performed late this week on his right arm and lower extremities without complication. The extent of the spinal cord injury remains indeterminate. Wickens also underwent a series of precautionary tests that found no indication of further injury.

Future treatment for Wickens includes more corrective surgery and rehabilitation. The thoughts of the entire INDYCAR community are with the Wickens family and SPM during this time.

Robert Wickens
Pocono Raceway Crash Video

Links

Robert Wickens | Ryan Hunter-Reay | Verizon Indycar Series | Pocono Raceway