Ryan Briscoe has been named the replacement driver for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports for the Indy 500. He will fill in for the injured James Hinchcliffe.
Hinchcliffe was injured in a terrible wreck during practice on Monday. His car slammed the wall in turn three after part of the right front suspension broke. A metal piece from the suspension pierced Hinchcliffe’s left leg causing him to lose a lot of blood, and Hinchcliffe had surgery on his left thigh and pelvic area, according to ESPN. Hinchcliffe was taken out of intensive care on Wednesday.
"My first thoughts go to James," Briscoe said. You never want to be part of a situation like this. My best wishes for him and his recovery. You have this opportunity and it's great. Coming into the Indy 500 the day before Carb Day is not the ideal situation. You prepare for this race one year out and you visualize how you will go through practice and all the prep that you need to do and now something like this comes up and you throw it out the window. All of a sudden I feel 100 percent in the game and can't wait to get out there. I wish Hinch were here but it's an opportunity that has been given to me and I will give it my 100 percent best."
Briscoe arrived in Indy on Wednesday and got fitted for the car. He was on track for a familiarization session on Thursday and will practice in traffic for the first time on Friday. Briscoe has competed in nine Indy 500s. He started the Indy 500 from the pole in 2012, has three front-row starts and a best finish of fifth in 2007 and 2012, according to Fox Sports. He doesn’t have an Indycar ride this season and is competing in IMSA Sports Car racing. In June he will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Hinchcliffe won’t need to have any more surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. It is unknown when he’ll return to the car and who will drive his car after Indy.