INDIANAPOLIS — Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin experienced a dramatic crash during Sunday’s Indianapolis 500 practice session ahead of Pole Day qualifying, sending his car airborne after a high-speed collision with the Turn 2 wall. The incident, captured on video, showed the No. 3 Chevrolet spinning violently across the track before coming to rest, with significant damage to the vehicle’s left-rear wheel and the SAFER Barrier.
McLaughlin, the 2023 Indy 500 pole-sitter, emerged from the wreckage unharmed and was evaluated at the track’s medical center before being cleared. Addressing reporters afterward, the New Zealand native expressed regret over the accident, acknowledging he may have pushed beyond safe limits.
“I’m fine—just really sorry to everyone at Team Penske, especially the crew of the No. 3 car,” McLaughlin said. “The car was communicating issues, and I probably should’ve backed off. But you want to finish the run to gather data. Taking that risk? Probably not worth it. I’m thankful for IndyCar’s safety innovations—the SAFER Barrier, the protocols—they saved me today.”
The crash occurred shortly after McLaughlin topped the leaderboard in the Fast 12 practice session, underscoring the razor-thin margin for error at the 2.5-mile oval. Track crews halted activity to repair a deep gouge in the Turn 2 racing line and assess the damaged energy-absorbing barrier.
McLaughlin’s accident follows two similar airborne incidents in recent days: rookie Kyffin Simpson flipped during Friday’s practice, while Andretti Global’s Colton Herta went wheels-up in a Saturday qualifying attempt. These repeated occurrences have reignited discussions about aerodynamic setups and safety at the Brickyard.
As a result of the crash, McLaughlin forfeited his spot in Sunday’s Fast 12 qualifying round, locking him into the 12th starting position for the May 26 race. Team Penske confirmed it is working to prepare a backup car for the event.
The incident highlights the relentless demands of Indy 500 preparation, where drivers balance speed and risk in pursuit of racing’s most coveted pole. McLaughlin’s escape, aided by modern safety measures, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent to the sport—even in practice.
