IndyCar driver Stefan Wilson to miss Indy 500 with fractured vertebrae after practice crash
Monday’s collision at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during a practice run will cost driver Stefan Wilson an opportunity to compete in this year’s Indy 500. Dreyer & Reinbold Racing released a statement on Wilson’s condition, stating that he will not be allowed to race due to the injuries sustained.
The statement from Dreyer & Reinbold Racing indicated that Wilson suffered a fractured vertebra. Because of the injury, he won’t drive in Sunday’s race.
“After being transported to IU Health Methodist Hospital for further tests, it was disclosed that Wilson suffered a fracture on the 12th thoracic vertebrae and will stay overnight at the hospital for further tests and observation,” the statement said. “Based on this type of injury, Wilson will not be allowed to compete in this Sunday’s 107th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.”
The collision occurred during Monday’s practice run at IMS. While other cars checked up, Katherine Legge wasn’t able to slow down quick enough and hit the back of Wilson between turns one and two.
Both cars slammed into the wall. Legge exited the car while medical personnel rushed a stretcher onto the track to assist Wilson. He left IMS on the stretcher and in a neck brace, but gave a thumbs-up while leaving.
An ambulance transported Wilson to the nearby hospital following the accident.
“The cars were all checking up and I lifted as much as I could and downshifted, hit the brakes but it wasn’t enough as they were checking up,” Legge told reporters. “So, I ran into the back of Stefan and we both ended up in the wall.”
Wilson’s replacement for Indy 500 announced
With Wilson ruled out of Sunday’s race, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing found a replacement. Graham Rahal, who initially missed the Indy 500 qualifying field, will get behind the wheel.
The racing team released a statement on its decision.
“We are happy to announce that (Graham Rahal) will pilot the No. 24 in the 107th Running of Indianapolis 500,” the statement said. “Rahal replaces Stefan Wilson who suffered an injury in yesterday’s practice session.”
Rahal, a native of New Albany, Ohio, missed the qualifying field by an incredibly small margin. His average speed of 229.159 mph came up .007 mph short of making the field.
“First, my thoughts are with @stef_wilson. This isn’t how we wanted to get into the race and I’m honored that @DreyerReinbold and @CusickMSports have given me this opportunity,” Rahal wrote on Twitter. “I can’t thank @hondaracing_hpd and @teamchevy enough for working together to allow this to happen. May is crazy, and this is just another example. We’ll be ready to get to work on Friday.”
The green flag for the Indianapolis 500 drops at approximately 12:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 28. Coverage of the race airs on NBC.