Indy 500 driver released from hospital

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The driver at the wheel of this year's most frightening Indy 500 crash got out of the hospital Wednesday morning.

Vitor Meira still has a long recovery ahead and though his body is broken, his spirits are great.

Meira broke two bones in his back in a violent collision late in Sunday's Indianapolis 500. Meira had to hang on while his car took a wild ride along the wall.

He left Methodist Hospital Wednesday morning in a wheelchair, but he gamely stood up to talk with reporters.

Meira said he will probably not have surgery on the two broken vertebrae he suffered, though he will stay in a body brace for some time to come.

He said he hopes to make it back for the season's final race.

"I want to shoot for that. It's up to the...actually it's up to me. I have to get better soon, and fast, so the doctors can release me," said Meira.

Meira's team -- AJ Foyt Racing -- has hired veteran Paul Tracy to drive the car this weekend in Milwaukee.

Meira applauded the move, calling Tracy a good driver who can help the team stay strong.