Scott McLaughlin’s Indy 500 Practice Crash: Car Flips Airborne, Driver Unhurt

Scott McLaughlin endured a heart-stopping crash during Indy 500 practice on Sunday, his car soaring airborne after a brutal collision with the wall just before Pole Day qualifying. The Team Penske driver’s vehicle spun wildly across the track, leaving a trail of debris and a gouged racing line near Turn 2’s exit. Remarkably, McLaughlin emerged unscathed, walking away from the wreckage and later confirming he was "fine" after a medical evaluation.

The incident, which damaged the left-rear wheel and the SAFER Barrier, wasn’t an isolated scare. In recent days, drivers Kyffin Simpson and Colton Herta also experienced terrifying airborne moments, highlighting the razor-thin margin for error at this high-stakes event. McLaughlin, reflective post-crash, apologized to his team, admitting he might have pushed too hard. "It was talking to me, and I probably should’ve backed out," he said, praising the safety measures that kept him safe.

Before the crash, McLaughlin had topped the Fast 12 practice charts, showcasing his skill. However, the Turn 2 mishap means last year’s pole-sitter will start the Indy 500 from No. 12. The race, set for May 25, promises intense competition and, as this week shows, no shortage of drama.