IndyCar driver Robert Wickens is lucky to be alive after a frightening crash at the Pocono Raceway.

Wickens was airlifted to Lehigh Valley hospital with injuries to his lower extremities, right arm, spine and bruied lung.

IndyCar said the Canadian driver was awake and alert as he was taken to hospital and will have surgery on tuesday morning [AEST].

The 29-year-old was attempting to overtake Ryan Hunter-Reay when the two cars brushed and caused Hunter-Reay’s car to crash into the wall and Wicken’s car was pulled along until it flew over Hunter-Reay’s car and then spun across the track.

Wickens’ car was broken down to leave the cockpit bare and paramedics rushing to his aid. The race was stopped for 2 hours before Alexander Rossi crossed the line as the winner. Rossi stated it was “tough to celebrate” before later tweeting “IndyCar was not my first racing family but Rob has been a part of my life for many years & now we’re in this family together. Hard to celebrate this win when his well-being is priority. From my crew & NAPA family, sending our prayers to Rob, Karli, his family & our friends at SPM”

The team at The Sporting Base want to send Robert Wickens our best.