Simon Pagenaud suffered a dramatic crash at the beginning of Saturday’s IndyCar practice session from Mid-Ohio.
After having brake failure at the end of the longest straight on the course, his Meyer Shank Racing Honda tumbled through the gravel and shed parts as it went.
Seven flips later, Pagenaud ended up in the tire barriers on his side. He was helped from the car and, despite taking a moment to collect his thoughts, was able climbing into the safety vehicle under his own power.
Speaking after being cleared from the medical center, the veteran praised IndyCar’s safety innovations for allowing him to walk away from such a dramatic crash.
“Oh shit, it’s going to hurt!” said Pagenaud to NBC sports, describing his thoughts. “It was a hell of a ride for sure.
“Something broke, and I couldn’t slow down. I tried to make the corner anyway. I know that gravel is deadly. Michael Andretti has done it, so I guess I’m joining another legend, so that’s cool.
“It’s downhill, which is nuts. Basically, the car took off, I hit the gravel, and it just rolled. Just glad I didn’t go over the tire wall.
“So glad we have the Aeroscreen. I’m really thankful for IndyCar and the Aeroscreen’s safety.
“Definitely the wildest [crash I’ve had]. The funny thing is my first crash was actually the exact same circumstance.”
Although Pagenaud was seen and released from the infield medical center, he did not pass a cognitive exam administered by the IndyCar medical team. He will be re-evaluated before Sunday’s sessions to see if he will be allowed to take part in the race.
Meanwhile, his Meyer Shank Racing crew continues to get a backup car ready before the action on Sunday.
