Indy500 car totally destroyed as driver Scott McLaughlin goes flying through air after horror practice crash
RACING driver Scott McLaughlin suffered a miraculous escape after flipping his Indy 500 car in a 250mph crash.
The New Zealander’s car went airborne during practice as he pushed the limits at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
McLaughlin, 31, made it onto the front row of the Indianapolis 500 last year for Team Penske.
But his horror smash on Sunday means the team will line up 10th, 11th and 12th for the iconic race.
McLaughlin lost control on Turn 2, colliding with the wall at high speed.
His No.3 Chevrolet flipped and travelled down the straight, with one of his tyres seen breaking off.
McLaughlin was fortunately able to walk away from the wreck and into the medical centre.
He will now start P12 on the Indy 500 grid.
The relieved Kiwi said after the crash: “I’m OK.
“I’m just really, really sorry for everyone at Team Penske.
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“[The car] was talking to me and I sort of felt it, and I probably should have backed out.
“But you’re trying to complete a run to see what it feels like and was it worth the risk? Probably wasn’t. I’m incredibly sad.”
McLaughlin also admitted the severity of the crash had taken its toll on his wife and family.
He added: “They’re nervous about me.
“I wanted to get out of the car straight away just so she knew I was OK.”
McLaughlin is the third driver to suffer a serious crash at this weekend’s racing in Indianapolis.
Kyffin Simpson went airborne during Fast Friday while Colton Herta crashed out in Saturday’s qualifying.