Mike Conway Out for Three Months After 200mph Smash at Indy 500

1 Jun 2010

Mike will be away from the driving seat for at least three months after sustaining multiple fractures to his lower left leg, and a compression fracture to his T3 vertebrae in the frightening, high-speed accident last weekend.

Mike was airlifted from the Indy 500 track after the horrific smash on Sunday and taken straight to the Indianapolis Methodist hospital.  Once there, he underwent a 5 hour surgical procedure to repair the damage to his left leg, and will be fitted with a neck brace later in the week to heal the compression fracture to his vertebrae.  

As a result of these injuries, IndyCar have confirmed in a statement that Mike will be missing from the IndyCar 2010 season for at least three months.  

"I'm feeling fine at the moment, all things considered" said Mike earlier today, "I'm just thankful that I came out of it alive.  I want to thank all the medical staff at the Methodist hospital, as well as the IRL Recovery Crew and all those at the Indy Speedway track that pulled me out of the car - they've all done a fantastic job.  I also want to thank my parents, friends and race team for all their support, and all those that have sent on their well wishes.  I'm hoping for a speedy recovery and am already looking forward to being back behind the wheel of a race car"  

The incident happened on the final lap of Sunday's Indy 500 race - a race which Mike had been leading for 15 laps.  Mike's car collided with that of Ryan Hunter-Reay after Ryan had slowed to conserve fuel in order to try and finish the race but unfortunately, the differential in car speeds between them was too great and resulted in Mike's car launching into the fencing and then disintegrating as it rolled along the track.  

Further surgery on Mike's leg is expected towards the end of the week and they anticipate he will remain in the Methodist hospital for up to another seven days.  Following that, Mike hopes to return to the UK to recuperate.