James Hinchcliffe released from hospital after life-threatening crash

IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe, who suffered a life-threatening injury during an Indianapolis 500 practice session crash last week, has been released from the hospital.

Hinchcliffe, 28, suffered a serious leg injury after his Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda incurred a mechanical failure and hit the Turn 3 wall at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 18. Hinchcliffe is expected to make a full recovery, but it’s unclear when he’ll return to racing.

During the crash, a broken wishbone section of the car’s suspension pierced the vehicle’s tub and lodged into Hinchcliffe’s left leg, causing massive blood loss, his doctor said. The Canadian driver was transported to a local hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.

“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,” said Dr. Timothy Pohlman, who performed the surgery at Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital.

Hinchcliffe later thanked the on-track medical staff and doctors at the hospital for saving his life.

“Words can’t describe how thankful I am” Hinchcliffe said in a statement released by IndyCar last week. “Those [on-track medical workers], 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.”

Ryan Briscoe replaced Hinchcliffe during the Indy 500, finishing 12th. Conor Daly will take over Hinchcliffe’s car this weekend for IndyCar’s dual races in Detroit.

“I can’t wait to continue working with the Schmidt Peterson guys and do the best job I can to keep James’ seat warm.” Daly said.