By alley - Oct 16, 2014, 10:23 AM ET

Former Indy car racer Randy Lanier released from prison

Randy Lanier, a former Indy car and IMSA sports car driver who won the 1986 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award after a 10th-place finish in 1986 (pictured, IMS photo), was released from Federal prison in Coleman, Fla., on Wednesday after serving 27 years of a life sentence for drug trafficking. Although details of the release of Lanier, now 60, and of the motion to reduce his sentence are sealed court documents,

Autoweek

has reported that the deal is part of a three-year supervised program, any violations of which could land Lanier back in prison.

Lanier issued a brief statement on Facebook confirming his release:

"For the last 27 years I have lived in prison cells with a Natural Death Sentence hanging over my neck like a hangman's noose. Life Without Parole. Throughout these years I felt truly blessed by the love, and support of family, and friends. This morning, Oct. 15, I walked out of federal prison a Free Man.

"Yes! All of your love, prayers, support, and positive energy has caused the Universal Life Force to guide the justice system to reduce my sentence to time served.

"This is truly an amazing event in my life, and I am very thankful to have so many friends to share it with.

"Thank God! Thank You All!

Autoweek reports Lanier is expected to be employed by a South Florida classic-car museum following his release from prison.