IndyCar driver Simon Pagenaud walks away from a terrifying wreck at Mid-Ohio

IndyCar driver Simon Pagenaud miraculously escaped unscathed from a harrowing accident during practice at Mid-Ohio on Saturday. While driving for Meyer Shank Racing, Pagenaud’s car flipped seven times through a gravel trap before finally coming to rest on its side.

According to Pagenaud, his brakes failed as he was hurtling down the straightway at approximately 180 mph (290 kph) and attempted to navigate the corner of the road course. The car catapulted through the gravel, becoming airborne and rolling multiple times, shedding pieces along the way. Eventually, it came to a halt with Pagenaud motionless inside.

Despite the intense crash, Pagenaud managed to climb out of the wreckage as the AMR safety crew rushed to his aid. After sitting on the gravel to collect himself, the 2016 series champion stood up and was taken to the track’s care center in the medical car.

In reflecting on the incident, Pagenaud expressed, “It was a hell of a ride, that’s for sure. We had something go wrong, and I couldn’t slow down. I tried to make the corner anyways. I know that gravel is deadly. Michael Andretti has done it, so I guess I joined another legend, so that’s cool.”

This crash brought back memories of Andretti’s accident 25 years ago at Mid-Ohio, where he also rolled through a gravel trap.

Pagenaud acknowledged his gratitude for the IndyCar’s aeroscreen, a laminated polycarbonate screen implemented years ago to shield drivers from debris. In this instance, the screen not only protected Pagenaud from the gravel but also prevented his head from striking the ground and tire barrier.

After undergoing evaluation at the care center, Pagenaud was released. However, following series protocol, he would not be cleared to return to the track for the remainder of Saturday. While he missed qualifying, there was a possibility of clearing another evaluation on Sunday to allow him to participate in the race.

“I’m ready. I can get back in right now. It’s not a problem,” Pagenaud asserted. “There is a protocol to follow to keep the drivers safe. We will see what they say. But [it was a] very unfortunate day for us. But I got some TV time, I guess.”

Pagenaud’s future with Meyer Shank Racing remains uncertain, and he has yet to secure a top 10 finish in the first eight races of the season. His best result so far was 13th place on the streets of Detroit, shortly after being involved in a late crash during the Indy 500 that sparked controversy.

During Saturday’s practice, Pagenaud only completed three laps. Will Power of Team Penske led the session, with series leader Alex Palou from Chip Ganassi Racing in second place. Colton Herta in his Andretti Autosport car and Pato O’Ward for Arrow McLaren rounded out the top four, the latter having been the fastest in Friday’s qualifying session.

Rain was predicted at Mid-Ohio, which could potentially work in Pagenaud’s favor as his team prepared the backup car.

“At the end of the day, if it’s raining, I’ll be all right,” the 39-year-old Frenchman remarked. “Because the problem is, I’ve lost so much track time now and it’s so competitive. The track evolves so much that I’ve lost a lot of ground, so it’d be hard to be competitive in a dry situation. But if it is raining, my chances are good.”

AP auto racing: https://bigbignews.net/auto-racing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about IndyCar wreck

More about IndyCar wreck

• Video: Simon Pagenaud’s Terrifying Wreck at Mid-Ohio
• Meyer Shank Racing Official Website
• IndyCar Official Website
• Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Official Website
• AP Auto Racing News
• Simon Pagenaud’s Twitter Account
• AP Sports Twitter Account