Professional racer Robert Wickens is currently receiving medical care for injuries to his spine, right arm, and lower extremities following a collision at the Pocono Raceway on Sunday. Wickens has also suffered a lung contusion and is scheduled for an MRI and potential surgery at the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown, according to race officials.
The incident occurred when Wickens, 27, was attempting to overtake Ryan Hunter-Reay on the seventh lap, leading to a slight contact between their cars. As a result, Hunter-Reay’s vehicle collided with the wall, while Wickens’ car crashed into a fence.The impact caused the fence to break apart, with Wickens’ car eventually coming to a stop on the racetrack beside the interior wall.
Medical personnel promptly responded to Wickens’ car and provided assistance to the conscious and alert Canadian driver. He was later transferred to a helicopter via an ambulance. The crash caused significant damage to the fencing, requiring approximately two hours to repair.
Driver Sebastien Bourdais expressed concern, stating, “It’s the worst thing you can witness. He is injured. He’s awake and alert, and thankfully, he’s alive.” Meanwhile, race winner Alexander Rossi remarked that it was challenging to celebrate his victory knowing Wickens was hospitalized.
Among the other drivers present at the racetrack during the Sunday incident were James Hinchcliffe, Hunter-Reay, Petro Fittipaldi, Takuma Sato, and Hunter-Reay. Hinchcliffe appeared to be in discomfort, holding his hand as he walked away from his car. He was promptly treated and released by medical staff.The race was delayed by approximately two hours due to the wreckage, with only eight laps completed in the 500-mile race as a result of Wickens’ crash and another incident just before the race commenced.
