INDIANAPOLIS – Kyle Larson experienced his first crash at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday, during the second day of open testing for the Indianapolis 500 drivers on the 2.5-mile oval.
The 2021 NASCAR champion and defending Brickyard 400 winner, lost control of his No. 17 Chevrolet exiting the first turn, hit the wall and bounced into the warm-up lane before hitting the wall a second time and finally stopping.
I’m happy to crash my first Indy car and survive.
Kyle Larson
Larson, who took responsibility for the incident, mentioned that he forgot to adjust the vehicle’s weight when entering the curve. He was checked at the circuit hospital before being discharged.
The driver seeks to complete “the double”, competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 on May 25. In 2024, a rain delay prevented him from participating in the NASCAR race.
On this occasion, he is driving the Arrow McLaren car with a hybrid system, which introduces more weight and makes its debut in Indy. Scott McLaughlin recorded the fastest lap of the day, reaching 236.6 mph with greater boost. Álex Palou achieved the fastest lap of the day at 223.993 mph with reduced power, followed by Felix Rosenqvist at 223.366 mph.
Larson acknowledged that he needed the track’s refresher course, but noted that the car felt different. However, on Wednesday he managed the 11th fastest lap, at 223.430 mph.
It feels a little different in terms of handling this year. I don’t know if it’s because of the hybrid theme and the weight of that or what I’m feeling, but it feels a little different, not the same balance I had last year. So you have to think about it.
Kyle Larson
When asked about his plans for 2026, Larson clarified that he only planned to compete in two editions of the 500 Miles.
Even before doing this, we only had plans to do it for two years, so we’ve always known that he had two opportunities to compete in the 500, which is enough. So we’ll enjoy it, we’ll try to make the most of it and do a good job.
Kyle Larson
Larson wasn’t the only driver with problems on Thursday. Takuma Sato, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, also suffered an accident, losing control of the rear of his car in the first turn and hitting the wall hard.
I lost it.
Takuma Sato
Sato was also checked at the circuit hospital and discharged.
Graham Rahal also touched the wall at the end of Wednesday’s practice.
The biggest scare of the week occurred on Thursday, when Rinus VeeKay’s car ran out of fuel in the middle of traffic, forcing several drivers, including Helio Castroneves, to narrowly avoid a multiple collision.
The qualifying for the 500 Miles is scheduled for May 17 and 18.
