Scott McLaughlin damages track and wall in heavy airborne Indy crash

Walking away unhurt, the 2024 Indy 500 pole-sitter will not start 2025 qualifying, marking another big crash in Indianapolis Motor Speedway practice

Scott McLaughlin is now the third driver to go airborne in the last three days, destroying a blistering fast No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet in the process. A dejected McLaughlin could hardly believe it as he climbed from the wreckage, thankfully unhurt. Previously, Kyffin Simpson went airborne during Fast Friday while Colton Herta went fully upside down in Saturday qualifying.

McLaughlin had just rocketed to the top of the charts in Fast 12 practice, reaching 233.553mph before disaster struck. While navigating Turn 2, McLaughlin spun out and slammed the outside wall hard. The car immediately lifted off the ground and went airborne before landing back on the wheels.

Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske

Photo by: Penske Entertainment

The left-rear wheel was completely sheered away upon impact while the right-rear actually dug into the track upon landing. There was a visible gouge on the racing line at the exit of Turn 2, which required immediate attention in order to make repairs. The impact also resulted in damage to the SAFER Barrier with some welding going on there during the stoppage. The incident eliminated roughly 30 minutes of the one-hour practice.

Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske

Photo by: Penske Entertainment

McLaughlin 'gutted' but thankful to walk away

"Yeah, I'm fine," said Mclaughlin after being released from the infield care center. "I'm just really, really sorry for everyone at Team Penske, the guys on the #3 car and everyone who builds these fantastic cars. It (the car) was talking to me and I sort of felt it and I probably should have backed out. But you try to complete a run to see what it feels like. Was it (worth) the risk? Probably wasn't. Incredibly sad. That's basically what it felt like. You just try and brace yourself and I was just hoping I didn't go into the catch-fence. Very grateful to IndyCar, the safety, my team, the SAFER Barriers and everything like that because it kept me safe."

On his mindset following the heavy crash, McLaughlin said: "Just gotta get on with it. They can build a car for me fantastic -- I got the best crew on pit lane. I'm just really gutted for them, more than anything. We had a great car and I just destroyed it. It's hard to take, especially now. You kind of wish it was for something, but it was for nothing -- in practice. Ultimately, those are the decisions you make at that speed. I chose to keep the run going so it's on me."

Penske will not take part in Fast 12 qualifying, meaning McLaughlin's official starting position will be 12th on the Indy 500 grid.