Munoz to take over IndyCar ride while Canadian driver Wickens recovers

PORTLAND, Ore. — Schmidt Peterson Motorsports will run two cars in the final two races of the 2018 IndyCar season while Canadian driver Robert Wickens recovers from injuries suffered in a crash two weeks ago.

The team only fielded James Hinchcliffe’s car in Saturday’s race at Madison, Ill., but said Wednesday that Carlos Munoz will drive the No. 6 car usually piloted by Wickens at Portland International Raceway and Sonoma Raceway for SPM.

“Robert and his family have been in my prayers and I continue to pray for his recovery,” Munoz said in a statement. “I’m very grateful that Schmidt Peterson Motorsports have entrusted me to compete in the Lucas Oil Honda for the last two races of the season. I am looking forward to pushing hard for a great result for the team and for Robert.”

Wickens, from Guelph, Ont., crashed early in an Aug. 19 race at Pocono Raceway, touching Ryan Hunter-Reay and hurtling into the catch fence. Wickens’ car was shredded and debris scattered across the track in a wreck that involved five cars but only left the driver with serious injuries.