During practice for the 2024 Indy 500, Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin suffered a dramatic crash that saw his car flip and become airborne after colliding with the wall. The incident occurred at Turn 2 on Sunday, with McLaughlin managing to exit the wreckage and reportedly avoiding serious injuries. A medical evaluation confirmed his condition was stable, and he expressed gratitude for the safety measures in place.
The crash was captured on video, showing McLaughlin’s car sliding and spinning across the track before coming to a stop. While McLaughlin was the only driver to suffer a major incident during the session, two others had previously experienced frightening airborne moments. Kyffin Simpson flipped during Fast Friday, and Colton Herta went airborne during Saturday’s qualifying. These incidents have raised concerns about the risks associated with high-speed practice sessions in the Indy 500.
McLaughlin, who had previously secured the pole position for the 2024 Indy 500, will not be participating in the Fast 12 qualifying session. As a result, his official starting position for the race has been moved to No. 12. While the incident did not result in any major injuries, it has highlighted the need for continued safety improvements in motorsport. The SAFER Barrier and track infrastructure played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the crash, though the damage sustained by the car and track were significant.
The 2024 Indy 500 is set to be broadcast on FOX on May 25, with pre-coverage beginning at 10 a.m. ET. Fans can also watch the race live on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app. The event will be a critical moment for McLaughlin and other drivers as they prepare for the iconic race, with safety remaining a central focus for organizers and teams alike.