In the latest statement released by Schmidt Peterson Motorsport, the extent of Robert Wickens' injuries sustained in the horrific crash at Pocono Raceway during the ABC Supply 500 has been revealed.
The Canadian driver was trying to pass Ryan Hunter-Reay on the inside of Turn 2 at Pocono before clipping the #28 DHL Andretti, spinning his car around then getting launched into catch fencing on the outside of the circuit after riding the SAFER barrier.
In a joint statement released by Wickens' family and the SPM team, they clarify the extent of Wickens' injuries after an unnamed third party reported his injuries were less severe and without his permission.
"We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers and positive energy that has been sent our way since Robert’s accident,” read the family statement.
"We are blown away by the strength of this INDYCAR community and the support within it. While Robert’s recovery and rehabilitation continue over the coming weeks and months, your loving messages will certainly be a source of encouragement for him.
"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/fiancé/friend/team-mate has gone through and will be recovering from in the months to come.”
Among the injuries Wickens sustained were:
• Thoracic spinal fracture
• Spinal cord injury
• Neck fracture
• Tibia and fibula fractures to both legs
• Fractures in both hands
• Fractured right forearm
• Fractured elbow
• Four fractured ribs
• Pulmonary Contusion
“The INDYCAR community has been nothing but supportive the last few weeks,” Ric Peterson and Sam Schmidt, co-owners of SPM, noted further in the statement. “We are grateful for their support as well as the exceptional care given to Robert by the AMR INDYCAR Safety Team, the INDYCAR Medical Staff, the surgeons and nursing staff at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest and everyone at IU Health Methodist Hospital."
The SPM team have also made it clear the #6 Lucas Oil machine will be ready for the Canadian should he be fit enough to return to the IndyCar series after recovery.
Colombia's Carlos Munoz stepped into the car for the previous race at Portland and will do so again for the season finale in Sonoma on September 16.
"While Robert continues his recovery, we want to make it clear that the No. 6 entry is for Robert Wickens and him only," the statement continued.
"No matter the amount of time it takes for his full recovery, we will hold that seat for him. Carlos Muñoz, the named driver for the last two events on the 2018 calendar is doing a great job for us to keep the No. 6 owner championship points alive, and we very much appreciate all the hard work he’s putting into helping us finish the season.
“The road to Robert’s recovery will be a long and tough one, but we hope you’ll be alongside us cheering him on. BETTER. STRONGER. FASTER.”
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