Hinchcliffe out of competition ‘for the foreseeable future’

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe had major blood loss as a result of his injuries sustained while crashing during Indianapolis 500 practice Monday afternoon, WISH-TV Racing Analyst Derek Daly confirmed.

On Tuesday, it was announced that Hinchcliffe will be out of 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.”

Daly said Hinchcliffe’s injuries were considered life threatening on Monday but doctors said he was improving.

“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 hit a wall and flipped Monday. He wasn’t able to get out of the car on his own and was rushed to IU Health Methodist Hospital. He was taken into surgery and later taken to the intensive care unit.

Racer magazine reported Tuesday that Hinchcliffe’s suspension “wishbone enter(ed) and exit(ed) his right leg, then enter(ed) his upper left thigh, and continue(d) into his pelvic region before it came to a stop.”