Driver’s Visibility Ensures Safety Amidst Horrifying 180 Mph IndyCar Crash

IndyCar Driver Simon Pagenaud Survives Terrifying Wreck at Mid-Ohio

IndyCar driver Simon Pagenaud had a heart-stopping moment during practice at Mid-Ohio on Saturday. His car from Meyer Shank Racing lost its brakes, causing it to roll seven times through a gravel trap before finally coming to rest on its side. Miraculously, Pagenaud walked away from the terrifying wreck unharmed.

An absolutely violent wreck for Simon Pagenaud after his car lost its breaks during #IndyCar practice 2 at Mid-Ohio:

– Pagenaud exited the car under his own power.pic.twitter.com/3KpGkRMKWN

— Always Race Day (@AlwaysRaceDay) July 1, 2023

Pagenaud revealed that his brakes had failed, and he was traveling at approximately 180 mph when he attempted to navigate a corner on the road course. The car catapulted through the gravel, flipping multiple times and shedding pieces along the way. Eventually, it came to a stop with Pagenaud inside, motionless.

Fortunately, Pagenaud was able to climb out of the wreckage as the AMR safety crew rushed to his aid. After sitting on the gravel to collect himself, he got to his feet and was taken to the track’s care center in the medical car.

“It was a hell of a ride, that’s for sure,” Pagenaud said. “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 incident brought back memories of Andretti’s crash 25 years ago at Mid-Ohio, where he also rolled through a gravel trap. Pagenaud described his experience, saying, “I was just trying to bail out. It’s downhill, which is nuts. The car took off, I hit the gravel, and it just rolled. I’m just glad I didn’t go over the tire wall. So glad that we have the aeroscreen — so thankful that the IndyCar has the aeroscreen.”

The aeroscreens, laminated polycarbonate structures, were implemented to protect drivers from debris. In this case, the screen not only shielded Pagenaud from the gravel but also prevented his head from hitting the ground and tire barrier.

Following an evaluation at the care center, IndyCar announced that Pagenaud was released but would not be cleared to return to the track on Saturday, in accordance with series protocol. However, he could undergo another evaluation on Sunday that might allow him to race.

Pagenaud, whose future with Meyer Shank Racing is uncertain, has yet to secure a top 10 finish in the first eight races of the season. His best result so far was 13th place in Detroit, shortly after being involved in a late crash during the Indy 500.

Despite the setback, Pagenaud remains optimistic, especially if rain occurs at Mid-Ohio. He believes it would give him an advantage as his team prepares his backup car.

“At the end of the day, if it’s raining, I’ll be all right,” Pagenaud said. “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.”

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

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