Lucas Dumbrell, the younger brother of V8 Supercar racer Paul Dumbrell, has been airlifted back to a Melbourne hospital to continue his recovery from the injuries sustained in a Formula Ford accident at Oran Park.

Dumbrell suffered serious injuries in the accident, which came ahead of the final V8 Supercar event of the season, and had been treated for spinal injuries in Liverpool Hospital before being taken to the Austin Hospital in Melbourne by private Careflight jet on Friday [12 December].

A statement released by the Dumbrell family confirmed that the 19-year-old was still be helped with his breathing and was unable to speak, although it is hoped that he will be able to talk again in the near future. However, his spinal injuries have left him a quadriplegic.

"Lucas was transferred to Melbourne on Friday 12 December to the Austin Hospital, via private Careflight jet," the statement read. "Lucas is still in the Austin ICU and will remain there for approximately 1 week, and will then move to the Austin's Spinal Unit to start his rehabilitation.

"Lucas suffered severe spinal injures as a result of his crash at Oran Park on Friday 5 December during his Formula Ford Race 1. As confirmed Liverpool Hospital operated to stabilize C5 vertebra on Friday evening, which was a success. Lucas is a quadriplegic. He currently is being assisted to breathe, which will continue in the near future. He is unable to speak which should change in the coming week.

"His Family and Friends have been by his side in Sydney and in Melbourne. He is mentally strong and realises that he has a huge battle in front of him.

"We would like to thank Danny Wallis, Lauchie Pitman, Jeff Kennett and the Victorian Minister of health for all of their efforts in securing Lucas's transfer back to Melbourne, everyone has gone above and beyond, and we are extremely appreciative of this."