Shane Hmiel

His father Steve Hmiel, director of competition for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, texted to FOXSports.com: “Head looks promising, heavily sedated so hard to tell about waking up. No feeling in legs but might get better.”

The elder Hmiel, who left Auto Club Speedway Saturday night and is at the hospital with his son, added Shane remains in ICU in critical condition.

Hmiel, 30, is expected to undergo surgery on Sunday at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was airlifted to the hospital Saturday night following his accident.

Hmiel, 30, has competed in the top three USAC divisions and scored his first Sprint Car win at Iowa Speedway in 2009, the same season he earned USAC’s Most Improved Driver Award and Rookie of the Year honors at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, OK.

Touted as the next IndyCar Series standout, series officials recently commented on his continued climb through the open-wheel ranks.

"I’m excited to see Shane compete with us," Randy Bernard, CEO of the IndyCar Series said recently. "Everyone says he’s a great driver and we’re going to give him a chance. I think that’s very important. Everyone deserves a chance and we’re committed to making sure that he has that opportunity.

"He’s exactly what I’m talking about. He’s a dirt track, short track, Americana and if he makes it over here it’s going to be a great storyline. And that’s the type of thing that we need to develop, then embrace him and give him the opportunity to succeed." Fox Sports