INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, USA - Brazilian IndyCar driver Vitor Meira could miss four months after breaking two vertebrae in his back in a crash during the Indianapolis 500.

Meira will spend at least one more night in hospital, and could return to his home in Florida by Saturday, IndyCar Series spokesman John Griffin said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, AJ Foyt's team has hired former Champ Car points champion Paul Tracy of Canada to drive in this weekend's race at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Meira was hurt when he and rookie Raphael Matos tangled late in the race. Meira's car spun, tipped over on its side and slid down the circuit with two wheels on the track and two over the wall.

Indy Racing League director of medical services Michael Olinger said doctors decided on a "non-operative management program" for Meira, meaning he will wear a body brace while he heals.