James Hinchcliffe expected to make full recovery after near-fatal crash

Hinchcliffe has been transferred about of intensive care.

IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe is expected to make a full recovery from injuries sustained during a practice crash at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, IndyCar announced on Wednesday. 

IndyCar said that Hinchcliffe was transferred out of intensive care, and the doctor who performed the surgery said Hinchcliffe's condition is improving. 

“We’re very pleased with his progress and his condition continues to improve,” said Dr. Timothy Pohlman, senior staff trauma surgeon at IU Health Methodist Hospital. “Our expectation, in consultation with the IndyCar medical staff, is that a normal recovery is to be expected.” 

Hinchcliffe underwent surgery to stop massive bleeding in his left leg and was in stable condition in the intensive care unit as of Monday evening, according to the Associated Press. His "left thigh was pierced by the car's right front rocker and the piece of equipment needed to be removed," the AP reported, citing two people familiar with the crash. 

Ryan Hunter-Reay, who won the 2014 Indianapolis 500, said Tuesday on SI Now that Hinchcliffe's injuries were nearly fatal. IndyCar said yesterday that Hinchcliffe was in stable condition and improving. 

The Indianapolis 500 will be held this Sunday.