Crash at Indy 500 Practice Leads to Discipline for Drivers

 
Colton Herta, Scott McLaughlin, Simona de Silvestro, and Santino Ferrucci were all involved in incidents on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track during a practice on Thursday, leading to discipline from IndyCar.  

The incident came when Scott McLaughlin and Simona de Silvestro slowed down to a speed of 170 mph for a photo op, causing an unaware Colton Herta to hit McLaughlin in an embarrassing accident for the Rahal Group.

“I was angry,” admitted Herta. “I thought it was irresponsible that they were doing something like that going that slow.” 

The photo op now looks like a flop. Santino Ferrucci also left Thursday’s practice early when he made contact with the exit on Turn 2, causing three damaged tires, and damage to the vehicle that resulted in Santino limping out with an apparent left leg injury. The No. 45 driver Ferrucci appears to be all right after his trip to the hospital.  

The driver announced he would be back in today's action at Indianapolis and gave more details on his outlook after returning from the incident. 

“I’m telling you, it’s the (right) go-fast leg that counts,” he added. “So around this place, I’ll probably be walking fine by the time you guys see me next weekend.” 

Rahal Letterman Lanigan owner Bobby Rahal shared his thoughts from Thursday’s incident after criticisms toward the dangerous decision began pouring in. 

“We were several hundred yards ahead of some other cars. It was a pit stop session and it was the first lap … I think maybe some people shouldn’t be in such a rush and the spotters maybe should have done a better job. It’s disappointing something that happened a quarter-mile behind us or thereabouts and we’ve got to pay a price for it.” 

Per a report from WishTV, Takuma Sato, Graham Rahal, and Santino Ferrucci will all be penalized with 30 minutes of parked time added to the practice session Friday.