Report: Briscoe to replace Hinchcliffe in Indy 500

Ryan Briscoe is expected to replace injured driver James Hinchcliffe in Sunday's Indianapolis 500, according to multiple reports on Wednesday.

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports has yet to formerly announce Briscoe as the substitute driver for Hinchcliffe in the No. 5 Honda, but the team has scheduled a press conference for Thursday to discuss their driver plans for the Indy 500.

Hinchcliffe, a 28-year-old Canadian, sustained serious injuries to his upper left thigh and pelvic area during an accident in Monday's practice session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. His car slammed hard right-side into the SAFER barrier in turn 3 and then spun down the track before it briefly rolled on to its side and came to rest on its wheels. Hinchcliffe reportedly suffered massive blood loss when a piece of the front suspension from his car pierced through his thigh. He underwent emergency surgery at nearby IU Health Methodist Hospital to repair an artery.

Hinchcliffe's car experienced suspension failure, causing it to shoot up the track and into the barrier.

Officials from the IndyCar Series said on Tuesday that Hinchcliffe has been ruled out of competition for the foreseeable future. He had qualified 24th -- the outside of row 8 -- for the Indy 500 this past Sunday.

Hinchcliffe was transferred out of the intensive care unit at the hospital on Wednesday. After further evaluation, it was determined that Hinchcliffe will not require further procedures. He is expected to make a full recovery from his injuries.

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

Pohlman performed the surgery on Hinchcliffe.

Briscoe, a 33-year-old Australian, has nine previous starts in the Indy 500, with his best finish of fifth occurring in 2007 and '12. He placed 18th in last year's race, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing during the 2014 IndyCar season.

[SportsNetwork.com]