Driver Robert Wickens, injured in a frightening wreck Sunday, underwent spinal surgery Monday evening, IndyCar announced.
Wickens underwent surgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest in Allentown, Pa., to stabilize a thoracic spinal fracture, according to a statement on IndyCar.com. He also suffered a spinal cord injury during a horrific crash at an IndyCar race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday.
Titanium rods and screws were used to stabilize Wickens' spine, and IndyCar reports the surgery had no complications. The website said the severity of his spinal cord injury is "indeterminate at this time."
Wickens is expected to undergo further surgeries for fractures to both legs and right forearm. He also suffered a lung injury.
Wickens, 29-year-old Canadian, was on the first lap under a green flag when his car went airborne during the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono in Long Pond, Pa.
Wickens, James Hinchcliffe, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Pietro Fittipaldi and Takuma Sato were the drivers involved in the crash. Hunter-Reay and Wickens made the initial contact, and Wickens' car became airborne. The nose of the car hit the outside wall as the car traveled at full speed. Debris flew across the track, and Wickens' car damaged the fence.
Wickens was treated on the scene before he was transported by helicopter to Lehigh Valley Hospital.
An extended delay in the race occurred as a crew rebuilt the wall. Wickens' car also heavily damaged the catch fence.
Alexander Rossi wound up winning the race but afterward was concerned about Wickens.
"It's tough to really celebrate after what happened," Rossi said.
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