Wickens: IndyCar should consider divorcing 'toxic' Pocono

Robert Wickens believes IndyCar should consider ending its “toxic relationship” with Pocono Raceway following the latest multi-car accident at the start of Sunday’s race.

The ABC Supply 500 was red flagged after just four laps when five cars crashed out together, resulting in one car rolling and another being sent up towards the catch fencing.

The incident came one year on from the accident that saw Wickens’ car be pitched into the catch fencing, leaving the Canadian paralysed from the waist down. Pocono was also the site of Justin Wilson’s fatal accident in 2015 when he was struck on the head by debris from another car.

Here's how drivers saw the Lap 1 incident at @PoconoRaceway. #ABCSupply500 // #INDYCAR pic.twitter.com/Kv4C25557p

— NTT IndyCar Series (@IndyCar) August 18, 2019

Writing on Twitter following the accident in Sunday’s race, Wickens questioned the thinking behind the continued staging of IndyCar races at Pocono.

“How many times do we have to go through the same situation before we can all accept that an IndyCar should not race at Pocono,” Wickens wrote.

“It’s just a toxic relationship and maybe it’s time to consider a divorce. I’m very relieved (to my knowledge) that everyone is okay from that scary crash.”

How many times do we have to go through the same situation before we can all accept that an IndyCar should not race at Pocono. It’s just a toxic relationship and maybe it’s time to consider a divorce. I’m very relieved (to my knowledge) that everyone is okay from that scary crash

— Robert Wickens (@robertwickens) August 18, 2019

Of the five drivers involved in the accident, Felix Rosenqvist was transferred to hospital with “non-life threatening” injuries before later being released. The other four were cleared by medical officials on-site at Pocono.

IndyCar has raced at Pocono since 2013, with the circuit being one of five ovals on the current calendar.