Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver Robert Wickens continues to recover at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis after undergoing additional surgeries this week, according to a statement released Thursday by the team.
Wickens is expected to be transferred to a rehabilitation facility soon. The surgeries, completed without complication, were to repair fractures to his legs and hands from injuries sustained in a crash during the INDYCAR event at Pocono Raceway on Aug. 19.
The severity of the spinal cord injury that Wickens sustained in the incident remains indeterminate and under evaluation.
“We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers and positive energy that has been sent our way since Robert’s accident,” the Wickens family said in the statement. "We are blown away by the strength of this INDYCAR community and the support within it. While Robert’s recovery and rehabilitation continue over the coming weeks and months, your loving messages will certainly be a source of encouragement for him.”
As Wickens recovers from the injuries, team co-owners Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson said the 29-year-old Canadian’s seat in the No. 6 Lucas Oil SPM Honda remains his upon his return.
“The INDYCAR community has been nothing but supportive the last few weeks,” Peterson and Schmidt said in a statement. “We are grateful for their support as well as the exceptional care given to Robert by the AMR INDYCAR Safety Team, the INDYCAR Medical staff, the surgeons and nursing staff at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest and everyone at IU Health Methodist Hospital.
"While Robert continues his recovery, we want to make it clear that the No. 6 entry is for Robert Wickens and him only. No matter the amount of time it takes for his full recovery, we will hold that seat for him. Carlos Muñoz, the named driver for the last two events on the 2018 calendar, is doing a great job for us to keep the No. 6 owner championship points alive, and we very much appreciate all the hard work he’s putting into helping us finish the season.
“The road to Robert’s recovery will be a long and tough one, but we hope you’ll be alongside us cheering him on. BETTER. STRONGER. FASTER.”
The statement said an update will be provided when Wickens is transferred to the rehabilitation facility, with further updates coming from Wickens. With the team, he will document his recovery process and share updates at appropriate times.