Kiwi admits rookie error in Indy 500 warm-up crash
Words NZ Autocar | Images YouTube
Scott McLaughlin didn’t even make it to the start line for the Indianapolis 500 race after what he admitted was a rookie error during warm-up.
While trying to generate tyre temperature by weaving left and right on the approach to Turn 1, McLaughlin lost control, and spun the car into the inside wall. Major damage to left suspension meant he was out without turning a wheel in anger.
Visibly furious with himself, the Kiwi pounded the steering wheel in frustration before climbing out. Overcome with anger and disappointment, he dropped to his knees and buried his head in his hands.
“I’m just really upset for my team. They built me a fantastic car again. I’m really sorry to my sponsors, my fans, and my family.
“I still….can’t believe we’re out of the race. I just had so much hope today. Yeah, it’s by far the worst moment of my life.
“I know it’s probably dramatic and whatever, but I put so much into this race, everyone does, and I didn’t even get to see the green flag.”
Fellow Kiwi Scott Dixon had problems early too. His car began to blow smoke from a rear brake fire. Fortunately, he was able to continue but a pit stop on lap 31 put him behind and he ended up 24th, two behind Marcus Armstrong.
When the race finally started, it was immediately halted after Marco Andretti was hit from behind by Jack Harvey heading into Turn 1. Kiwi rookie Marcus Armstrong narrowly avoided being caught up in the incident.
In the end, three-time IndyCar champion, Alex Palou, earned the first oval-race victory of his career, taking the 109th Indianapolis 500.
For the Spaniard it was his fifth win in six series races this season. But it was for this win that he gained global fame and a spot on the Borg-Warner Trophy.
Palou drove his No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to victory under caution when Nolan Siegel crashed on the final lap. Marcus Ericsson finished second in the Allegra Honda of Andretti Global. David Malukas took the third podium position in the No. 4 Clarience Technologies Chevrolet.
