INDIANAPOLIS – Colton Herta had a major crash with 30 minutes left in Friday’s final round of practice on Carb Day for the 106th Indianapolis 500.
Herta’s No. 26 Gainbridge Honda sped down the frontstretch of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway into turn 1 before the rear end broke loose from the track. He slammed backwards into the Turn 1 wall and the car flipped upside down and skidded down the south short chute. After sliding though, the short straight that connects turns 1 and 2, Herta’s car came to a stop, still upside down.
“I’m all right,” Herta radioed to his crew before the car ever came to a stop.
The AMR Safety Crew was able to turn over the damaged car and the 22-year-old Herta was able to climb out with little assistance from the team.
Herta appeared to be in great shape, but the same can’t be said about his car. The tub appeared damaged, and it is not yet known if Andretti Autosport will be able to repair the car or got to the backup.
It was the second crash in the 90-minute practice session. The first crash was young David Malukas crashing the No. 18 Honda at Dale Coyne Racing. He was treated and released from the IU Health Infield Care Center.
Herta had a disappointing qualification effort on Saturday and was scheduled to start 25th, the inside of Row 9, in Sunday’s Indianapolis 500.