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Video: Terrifying Wreck During Indy 500 Practice Sunday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 18, 2025 4:30 PM ET

Scott McLaughlin walked away unharmed from a scary crash during Sunday's Indianapolis 500 practice.

After notching Saturday's second-best qualifying time, McLaughlin pursued a repeat of last year's pole win. However, he won't attempt a qualifying run following Sunday's wreck at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

On the second turn, McLaughlin's Team Penske vehicle spun and crashed into the wall. The left-rear tire flew off his airborne car as debris fluttered down on the track.

Here's a look at the alarming wreck, courtesy of IndyCar on FOX:

Scott McLaughlin hits the wall hard in #Indy500 practice. pic.twitter.com/N5oPmCuOVI
— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) May 18, 2025

Fortunately, McLaughlin said he was fine following the crash. Yet he regretted trying to finish the run despite a loosening tire.

"I should have bowed, and unfortunately I didn't. I'm really sorry to my team," McLaughlin said, via FOX's Bob Pockrass. "It kills me, but it's a character-building day, I guess you could say."

McLauglin felt bad about ruining the car a week before the Indy 500.

"That thing is a rocket ship, and I destroyed it," he said. "So yeah, I'm sad. I'm sad for the crew. I'm sad for my sponsors, but ultimately we'll be back out there, giving it our all again."

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 23: The Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the track during the National Anthem before the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 23, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. This year's race was run without fans in attendance due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

The 31-year-old felt worse about seeing his concerned wife cry during the wreck. He wanted to escape his car as soon as possible to reassure her he was fine.

While disappointed in the accident, McLauglin felt "very blessed" to avoid any injuries.

"I know the safety standards here are the best in the world," he said. "For me to walk out seconds after a crash like that is pretty impressive. So, just count my lucky stars I'm OK."

McLauglin will start the Indy 500 12th among the dozen drivers who qualified to race for the pole on Sunday. Per Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press, Team Penske will work on a backup speedway car that reigning champion Josef Newgarden was slated to use in the pit crew competition.

"They can build a new car for me, but I'm just really gutted more than anything,” McLaughlin said. "It's hard to take, like you wish it was for something, but it was for nothing, right? In practice."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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