James Hinchcliffe is in stable condition in an intensive care unit of an area hospital following a savage crash that saw him pound the Turn 3 wall and nearly flip over during Monday practice for the upcoming Indianapolis 500. The 28-year-old underwent surgery for an undisclosed upper left thigh injury.
James Hinchcliffe suffers leg injury after hard crash in Indianapolis 500 practice
An apparent mechanical failure saw James Hinchcliffe crash heavily into the wall at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Hinchcliffe had just posted a lap speed of 221.323 mph when a part appeared to break, sending him slamming into the outside wall at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. After the impact, the No. 5 car slid down the track and lifted onto its side before immediately landing back on its wheels in Turn 4. Safety workers quickly arrived and removed Hinchcliffe from the wreckage, placing him on a backboard and transporting him to Indiana University Methodist Hospital.
The accident follows IndyCar Series reducing speeds and increasing downforce Sunday after three drivers flipped within the past week. In all three instances the drivers -- Helio Castroneves, Josef Newgarden and Ed Carpenter -- were using Chevrolet-designed aerodynamic body kits, which were introduced this season and being used on a speedway for the first time. Castroneves, Newgarden and Carpenter walked away uninjured. Hinchcliffe was driving a Honda, though his crash was different due to the mechanical failure.
Hinchcliffe had qualified 24th for Sunday’s race. The Canadian is in his fifth season of IndyCar racing and is a four-time winner, including an April victory in the Grand Prix of Louisiana.
As officials investigate Hinchcliffe’s crash, the remainder of Monday’s practice was postponed until 4:15 p.m. ET. Drivers will also be on the track for a one-hour final session Friday.
See More:
