IndyCar driver launched into fence in huge multi-car crash as Toronto race red-flagged to clear debris-filled street
INDYCAR’s Toronto street race had to be red-flagged after a multi-car crash.
On the 73rd of the 85-lap race, a spin coming out of turn one by Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward began a terrifying chain of events.
With the track crowded coming out of the straightaway shortly after a yellow, O’Ward spun backward into the concrete barrier.
Andretti Global’s Marcus Ericcson couldn’t react in time, colliding with the side of O’Ward.
Next up was Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Pietro Fittipaldi who hit O’Ward’s front wing, followed shortly after by AJ Foyt Racing’s Santino Ferrucci.
His No. 14 hit the front of O’Ward’s car, launching into the air off of the nose and straight into the catch barrier.
Ferrucci would eventually settle on his roof, with one of the brakes going on to catch fire.
Arrow McLaren’s Nolan Siegel would also go on to crash into a stationary O’Ward, before Dayle Coyne Racing’s
Toby Sowery collided with Siegel.
The safety crew was quick to right Ferrucci’s car, with the 26-year-old remarkably able to exit the car under his own power.
All of the drivers involved were later checked and released by medics.
“I never saw Pato,” Ferrucci subsequently told Peacock, later adding that he also didn’t see Fittipaldi hit O’Ward.
“Nothing on the spotters. There were no yellows, no nothing so I didn’t know to check up,” he went on to say.
O’Ward was also quick to point out IndyCar’s decision not to immediately wave a yellow after his initial incident.
“I had rear locking, spun, and that was pretty much the end of that,” he explained.
“I’m so surprised IndyCar didn’t call a yellow. You’re just calling for a massive shunt.
“They had a solid five seconds to call yellow and tell everybody that was coming…I’m glad everyone else that was in it is fine.”
Andretti Global’s Colton Herta would go on to win the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto from pole – his first win since 2022.
I’m so surprised IndyCar didn’t call a yellow. You’re just calling for a massive shunt.
Pato O'Ward
Teammate Kyle Kirkwood finished agonizingly close behind Herta in second, followed by Scott Dixon (who qualified 15th) of Chip Ganassi Racing in third.
Championship leader and reigning champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing managed to claw his way back up the grid, having qualified 18th, to finish in fourth.
While Palou’s teammate Marcus Armstrong finished fifth for his fourth top-five finish of the season.
IndyCar will now take a break before their next race – Bommarito Automotive Group 500 in Illinois – which will be held on August 17.