The leaders at the Indianapolis 500 did a great job cruising and staying out of trouble. Then on Lap 92, the first caution forced everyone to pit road. As everyone exited pit road, two of the leaders crashed completely changing the complexion of the race.
While burning out of his pit, Rinus VeeKay lost control of his car toward the end of pit road. VeeKay veered left into pole sitter Álex Palou. Palou had to pit again to replace his front wing while VeeKay received a drive-through penalty, which put him in the back of the pack.
Rinus VeeKay loses control on pit road and takes out Álex Palou! Two of the heavy favorites crash before halfway! #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/u7NvM1tM8J
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) May 28, 2023
Pit road has been a sketchy place at Indy. In the first round of pit stops, Katherine Legge lost control and hit the wall, barely avoiding crew members and officials. Thankfully, with this taking place at the end of pit road, no one was in harm’s way.
With passing being so difficult, it will be a tough ask for Palou and VeeKay to get back up to the front. It’s not impossible, but it’s going to be very difficult. Especially with the laps winding down and things staying green throughout the rest of the race.
It will be a massive achievement if either driver can return to the front.
