Verizon IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe is improving as he remains in stable condition following surgery yesterday at IU Health Methodist Hospital for an injury to his pelvic area and upper left thigh. Hinchcliffe is undergoing further evaluations in the Intensive Care Unit and has been ruled out of Verizon IndyCar Series competition for the foreseeable future.
“Words can’t describe how thankful I am to the Holmatro Safety Team,” Hinchcliffe said. “Those guys, in addition to the doctors and staff at the hospital, are my heroes. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate the outpouring of support from INDYCAR fans, my family and fellow drivers. We are all one big family and it feels like that today.”
Hinchcliffe’s surgery was performed by Dr. Timothy Pohlman, Senior Staff Trauma Surgeon at IU Health Methodist Hospital.
“He’s stable and improving,” said Dr. Pohlman. “His condition was critical upon his arrival and I think the INDYCAR system as a whole needs to be commended for how well they can take care of drivers in this situation.”
Hinchcliffe was transported by ground to the hospital following a single-car accident during practice for the 99th Indianapolis 500 on May 18.
There will be those who blame the injury on the failure of the Dallara safety cell and the cockpit anti-intrusion measure. To be sure, the safety cell did fail, however, with an impact acceleration of 125g, it would be outstandingly difficult to create a system that would be 100% effective. Can lessons be learned from Hinchcliffe’s incident? Of course there are lessons to be learned, and I have no doubt that many skilled, talented, and experienced engineers are already on the task, but this was just about as violent as impacts get. The safety crew did superhuman job of getting… Read more »
One of the most likable drivers on the grid and he does an awesome Kimi impersonation as well! Sao Paulo 2013 was an awesome drive. I wish him a speedy recovery and an opportunity to perform like that again.