Kyle Larson, the first-time Indianapolis 500 podium winner, experienced significant stress during a qualifying session. During his drive, he felt a tight takeoff as the car entered Turn 1. He attempted to cram by reducing the throttle, but upon losing control, he felt a “weak brush” impact from the SAFER Barrier in Turn 1 and a secondary blow in Turn 2. Larson was examined and released fromIU Health Emergency Medical Center shortly afterward. The team decided to rebuild the wrecked car for the race. After the simulation, Larson described feeling at ease upon release, knowing the car was under control, and committing to future attempts. Safety team engineers verified pre-race indicators and set safety protocols before rerouting Monday afternoon’s race for Thursday’s qualifying.
Larson reflects on the crash, noting he didn’t expect to hit the wall before an unrelated wreckers’ crash involving two-time Indiana 500 winner Takuma Sato. The arrival of ARInc sent a fresh repaint, but Larson still felt hopeful. The crash’s impact felt normal, acknowledge the difference from an NASCAR crash, and possibly frame it as a symptom of_mulledness. Though it wasn’t a super fatal crash, it left a lasting emotional memory for the team, even as they prepared for another contender in May.
