Photo Credit: James Black/IndyCar
Verizon IndyCar Series driver Robert Wickens is remaining in an Allentown, PA. hospital after undergoing surgery on Monday night to stabilize a thoracic spinal fracture associated with a spinal cord injury.
“Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver Robert Wickens underwent surgery Monday, August 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,” a release by Schmidt Peterson Motorsports states.
“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. He is expected to undergo further surgeries to treat the fractures in his lower extremities and right forearm. He remains in stable condition. Further updates will be provided when available.”
A crash early in Sunday’s race at Pocono resulted in Wickens being airlifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest. INDYCAR VP of Communications Curt Cavin said Wickens was awake and alert upon extraction from his race car.
Wickens is expected to undergo more surgeries as the extent of his injuries become more clear.
OnPitRoad.com will continue to update the situation as more updates on Wickens’ condition become available.
