Wickens stable after surgery for spinal cord injury

Robert Wickens is in a stable condition after undergoing surgery for a spinal cord injury sustained in an accident at the ABC Supply 500 IndyCar race at Pocono on Sunday.

Wickens was caught up in a multi-car accident on the opening lap of the race at Pocono Raceway that saw his #6 Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda car get thrown into the fence before returning to the track, spinning multiple times.

Wickens was confirmed to be "awake and alert" in the aftermath of the accident before being taken to a local hospital, where he was found to have suffered fractures to his right arm and both legs, as well as sustaining a spinal injury.

Following an MRI scan, Wickens underwent surgery on Monday evening at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Ceder Crest, with INDYCAR issuing an update on his condition on Tuesday.

"Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver Robert Wickens underwent surgery Monday, Aug. 20 at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest to stabilize a thoracic spinal fracture associated with a spinal cord injury sustained during the INDYCAR event at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, Aug. 19," the statement reads.

"Titanium rods and screws were placed successfully in Wickens' spine during the surgery, which was performed without complication. The severity of the spinal cord injury is indeterminate at this time.

"Wickens is expected to undergo further surgeries to treat fractures in his lower extremities and right forearm. He remains in stable condition.

"Further updates will be provided when available."