P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Widely-backed Indy 500 pole favourite Scott McLaughlin has crashed in practice, and is reportedly out of qualifying for the famous event
Widely-backed Indy 500 pole favourite Scott McLaughlin crashed in practice and is reportedly out of qualifying for the famous event. Due to take part in top 12 qualifying, McLaughlin, who won pole last year, crashed hard hitting the wall during morning practice, damaging the car significantly. McLaughlin expressed his disappointment, taking responsibility for the incident that ended his chances of securing a repeat pole. The team decided not to rush the preparation of the superspeedway car for qualifying, acknowledging the lost opportunity. McLaughlin’s pole chances and chances of winning the race next week are now in jeopardy with the backup car not being as refined as the primary one. McLaughlin will have two more practices to prepare for the race in the new car, with other drivers like Alex Palou and McLaughlin’s teammates Newgarden and Power also performing well in the Fast 12 on Saturday.
