INDIANAPOLIS — Marcus Armstrong was taken away on a stretcher after a heavy crash in observe for Indianapolis 500 qualifying, and it was unclear who would get into Meyer Shank Racing’s backup automotive even when it is able to make a four-lap run later Saturday.
The 24-year-old from New Zealand hit the wall going into Flip 1 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the place winds gusting to just about 30 mph made for treacherous situations because the vehicles approached 240 mph on the finish of the lengthy entrance stretch.
Armstrong was in a position to climb from his wrecked automotive after it lastly got here to relaxation on the observe, however he was instantly helped onto a stretcher. He gave a thumbs up as he was loaded into an ambulance and brought to the infield care middle.
“He’s awake. He’s alert. He is doing properly,” stated Dr. Julia Vaizer, the medical director for IndyCar and the speedway.
Meyer Shank Racing instantly started engaged on its backup automotive, although it was unsure who would drive it when the practically 7-hour qualifying window opened later within the day. The group was getting assist from Chip Ganassi Racing, which has an in depth working relationship with its fellow Honda-powered group.
If Armstrong is unable to qualify the No. 66, there are few choices accessible. Tony Kanaan is the one driver to finish the refresher course, however he’s the group principal for Arrow McLaren, and accomplished it in order that his group would have a backup ought to NASCAR star Kyle Larson need to abandon the Might 25 race to make it to the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte.
There’s additionally a battle of curiosity between the Chevrolet-powered Arrow McLaren group and the Honda groups.
Different backup drivers may conceivably full the refresher Sunday, permitting them to get into the automotive. However with out making a run Saturday, the very best they might do can be to nail down one of many last three spots on the 33-car beginning grid.
“It regarded a bit bizarre, to be sincere,” Armstrong’s teammate, Felix Rosenqvist, stated of the crash. “I have never seen any updates or something. I simply tried to have a look at the display whereas I used to be sitting within the automotive. Hopefully they’ll bounce again shortly.”