Listen to the interview on podcast
Verizon IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe cringes each time he watches the video of his horrific May 18 crash during practice for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.
"It's fascinating and terrifying all at the same time," he said during an INDYCAR teleconference. "I still have a lot of questions about the day because I don't remember it. I'm the luckiest unlucky guy."
Hinchcliffe, 28, of Oakville, Ontario, was released from IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis on May 26, following surgery May 18 for an upper left thigh and pelvic injury. He has been cleared to travel and will be the grand marshal of the Honda Indy Toronto on June 14.
“We are very excited to have James as grand marshal,” Honda Indy Toronto president Charlie Johnstone said. “Although he is unable to race, it is important to us, and to him, that he is involved in the race in some capacity, being as this is his home town event.”
Overall, Hinchcliffe said recovery has been proceeding well. He's been allowed to increase the number of steps he takes each day and spends a modest amount of time on an elliptical machine.
"Every doctor that I've seen, every specialist that we've been with has been very, very pleased and in some cases surprised at the level of recovery, which is obviously great news," he said. "I guess we're quick in that sense, too, which is good. Still no dates on when we think we'll be able to get back in the car. There's still a few things that have to happen for that to take place.
"The pain level has been going down every single day. I'm almost completely off pain medication now, which is great. One of the most uncomfortable parts of it has been the fracture to my pelvis. Obviously, there's not a whole lot you can do about that. At the same time there's really nothing you can do to alleviate any discomfort either. It's almost like the best vacation you never wanted."
Hinchcliffe said he’s been touched by the outpouring of support. He’s been “overwhelmed” with cards, letters, visitors, text messages, emails and encouraging messages on social media.
“It’s probably been the most real element of this adventure,” he said. "I can't tell everyone how appreciated it is and how much it does help. I mean, part of the reasons all of these cards are sitting on my mantel is because this is where I sit for a big chunk of my day. I get to sit there and see reminders of people that care about you, people that are wishing you well. For me, part of my motivation to get better is for the people that took time to reach out to me as much as anything else."