Wilson, 33, fractured the T12 bone in his spine after hitting the SAFER barrier at Flip 1 head-on, following a conflict with Katherine Legge in Monday’s apply session.
The harm has dominated him out of this Sunday’s 107th operating of the Indianapolis 500 and he will probably be changed in his Cusick Motorsports entry, which is run by Dreyer & Reinbold, by Graham Rahal – who was a team-mate to Stefan’s late brother, Justin.
“Doing nicely, all issues thought of,” stated Wilson in a video posted on his social media channels. “Simply actually grateful for all of the assist that’s been proven to me during the last 24 hours. The outpouring of assist from the followers means a lot.
“Glad to see that Graham will probably be taking up the position of driver for Cusick Motorsports, Dreyer & Reinbold and Carekeepers. Can’t thank the group sufficient, and all of the companions, who made all this potential this 12 months.
“Now the main focus is on restoration and I’m already wanting in the direction of 2024 and making an attempt to get again right here to this race. Clearly, this race means a lot to me. That journey in the direction of 2024 begins now.”
His entrant, Don Cusick, is eager for Wilson to get nicely sufficient to return to the monitor to observe the race on Sunday.
“I did converse with Stef this morning, clearly he’s pretty crushed emotionally,” stated Cusick on the announcement of Rahal taking Wilson’s place. “However he’s supportive of what we’re doing and we are able to’t wait to get him higher and again right here.
“He actually appreciates all of the outpouring and concern. Hopefully we’ll get him again right here on Sunday and stroll down the monitor with him.
“We’re super-thankful that Graham was ready to do that. We’re excited for Sunday. It’s going to be a bit of bittersweet clearly, however glad we are able to go ahead and do it.”
Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda
Picture by: Jake Galstad / Motorsport Images
Crew proprietor Dennis Reinbold added: “Graham was first alternative, but it surely was all so sudden, there wasn’t lots of time to suppose when it was clear that Stefan wouldn’t be authorized to run. It was a brief checklist!
“Our automobile will look a bit completely different to accommodate the entire issues, sponsorship-wise. Now we have some bulletins approaching Ryan [Hunter-Reay’s] automobile as nicely. We’re making an attempt to show it right into a win-win state of affairs, hopefully a win-win-win on Sunday.”
