Hunter-Reay to race with thumb splint

IndyCar driver Ryan Hunter-Reay has had successful surgery on his left thumb and is being fitted for a carbon-fiber splint that will allow him to race Saturday at Texas.

The American has won one race this season and his deal with Andretti Autosport is to expire after Saturday's race. He is the only driver to reach Victory Lane not driving for Roger Penske or Chip Ganassi.

Hunter-Reay hurt the thumb on pit row during Sunday's Indianapolis 500. He also was involved in the frightening crash with Mike Conway on Lap 199, but was not injured in that collision.

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing has not said who will replace Conway in the No. 24 car. He is expected to miss at least three months with leg and back injuries. IndyStar