Robert Wickens is in a stable condition after undergoing spinal cord surgery following his Pocono crash at the weekend, a statement issued by his Schmidt Peterson Motorsports team confirmed on Tuesday.
The Canadian IndyCar racer was caught up in multi-car shunt during the restart for the ABC Supply 500 on Sunday and his car flew into the catch fencing, spinning several times, before coming to a rest on the track.
Wickens was transferred to a local hospital by helicopter where he was diagnosed with multiple injuries, including two leg fractures and a lower spinal injury.
On Monday, Wickens underwent surgery at the Lehigh Valley Hospital to insert titanium rods and screws into his spine, though the statement warned that the severity of his injury remains an unknown at this moment.
"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," read a statement.
"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.
"Further updates will be provided when available."
