Advertisement

Guelph IndyCar driver Robert Wickens broke neck, spinal cord in August crash

Robert Wickens talks after the second practice session for the Toronto Indy in Toronto on Friday July 13, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn. The Canadian Press / Frank Gunn

IndyCar driver Robert Wickens fractured his spinal cord and neck, and suffered seven other serious injuries when he crashed at Pocono Raceway last month.

The family of the Canadian driver revealed the injuries Wickens suffered when his car launched into the fence on Aug. 19 at the Pennsylvania track.

Among the injuries are a thoracic spinal fracture, a fractured neck as well as tibia and fibula fractures to both legs and a fractured right forearm.

Wickens, a native of Guelph, Ont., had surgeries this week at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indiana to repair fractures to both of his legs and hands and is expected to be moved to a rehabilitation centre soon.

Story continues below advertisement

BELOW: IndyCar race halted after scary crash involving Canadian Robert Wickens

Click to play video: 'IndyCar race halted after scary crash involving Canadian Robert Wickens'
IndyCar race halted after scary crash involving Canadian Robert Wickens

It could be months before the severity of the injury is known.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The Wickens family revealed the extent of his injuries Thursday through Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.

“As unverified sources immediately following Robert’s accident inaccurately and without permission portrayed his condition as less than severe, in an effort to remain transparent and open, we are providing a list of Robert’s injuries to truly showcase the severity of what our son/brother/fiance/friend/teammate has gone through and will be recovering from in the months to come,” the family said.

Wickens’ family added it was “blown away” by the support of the IndyCar community.

Story continues below advertisement

Schmidt Peterson did not field Wickens’ car in the race after his accident, but Carlos Munoz drove it at Portland last weekend and will close the season in the seat at Sonoma in California.

However, the team said the car will be Wickens’ when he’s able to return.

Sponsored content

AdChoices