Auto racing notes: IndyCar’s James Hinchcliffe thanks ‘heroes’ after scary crash

IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe thanked the “heroes” on Tuesday who helped him survive a dangerous crash a day earlier at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Team owner Sam Schmidt was just relieved.

One day after a broken wishbone punctured the popular Canadian driver’s left leg, causing significant blood loss, IndyCar officials said Hinchcliffe was listed in stable condition, but was ruled out of racing indefinitely.

“Words can’t describe how thankful I am to the on-track Holmatro safety team,” Hinchcliffe said in a statement released by the series.

“Those guys, in addition to the doctors and staff at the hospital, are my heroes.”

The accident was serious. Hinchcliffe was taken immediately to a hospital for surgery on his left thigh and pelvic area. The surgery at Indiana University Methodist Hospital was needed to stop the bleeding.

He was sent to intensive care following surgery after doctors stabilized his condition. But when Hinchcliffe awoke Tuesday morning, he was able to communicate.

Honda said Hinchcliffe’s right front suspension failed, and the driver was sent hard into the third turn wall.

Pit stops

The No. 4 NASCAR Xfinity Series car driven by Ross Chastain at Iowa has been penalized after a weight flew off of Chastain’s car on Saturday. The ballast crushed the window of Jamie Dick, who was behind Chastain, and struck Dick in the helmet. … NASCAR star Kyle Busch and his wife have welcomed their first child. Their son, Brexton Locke Busch, was born Monday night.