Hinch Hurt In Grand Prix Of Indianapolis

Andretti Autosport pilot James Hinchcliffe was injured during Saturday's Inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis, leaving his Indianapolis 500 participation in question.

The Canadian was struck in the helmet on lap 56 when Justin Wilson and Simon Pagenaud --the eventual race winner-- made contact, send debris back into Hinchcliffe's cockpit. His visor was struck and Hinch pulled his DW12 off at Turn 7 to a safety crew.

Taken off on a stretcher to the infield care center, Hinchcliffe was later taken to IU Health Methodist Hospital where he underwent CT scans of his head, neck and released.

INDYCAR Medical Director Dr. Michael Olinger diagnosed Hinch with a concussion and will need to be re-evaluated before being cleared to drive. He'll meet with INDYCAR medical staff Sunday morning.

"I want to thank all the fans for their messages of concern and support," said Hinchcliffe in a team release. "I'm a little stiff and sore and I'd love to be back in the car tomorrow, but I suppose I should probably let the doctors make that decision. Such a bummer for the UFD car when things were really starting to come together."

 

Not expected to be cleared Sunday, Andretti Autosport announced E.J. Viso as the replacement driver until Hinchcliffe is cleared.

 

Although every medical situation and injury is different, former IndyCar driver Simona De Silvestro suffered a concussion June 18th, 2011 at the Milwaukee Mile. She was evaluated by INDYCAR medical staff six days later and was not cleared to drive that weekend in Iowa. She returned the following race on July 10th.

 

Sunday begins Opening Day for Indianapolis 500 practice which continues all week leading up to Saturday and Sunday Qualifications. The cars return the following Monday for a final full-day of activity prior to Carb Day. 

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