A new statement from the family of Robert Wickens has listed the injuries suffered by the Canadian in his IndyCar crash at Pocono.
Schmidt Peterson Motorsports’ Wickens was involved in a heavy incident in the race last month at Pocono oval circuit. He was airlifted to the hospital where he was operated and kept for several weeks after which he moved to Indianapolis for further treatment.
The Canadian is expected to be moved to a rehabilitation center in the coming days. However, the extent of his spinal cord injury remains intermediate and is under constant evaluation. The doctors stress the full effects of the injury will take months to be known.
The statement from the family reads: “We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers and positive energy that has been sent our way since Robert’s accident. 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 / fiance / friend / teammate 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
SPM’s co-owners Ric Peterson and Sam Schmidt said: “The INDYCAR community has been nothing but supportive the last few weeks. 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.
“While Robert continues his recovery, we want to make it clear that the No. 6 entry is for Robert Wickens and him only. No matter the amount of time it takes for his full recovery, we will hold that seat for him.
“Carlos Munoz, 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.”
