The 109th Indianapolis 500, held under overcast skies and chilly conditions, faced an unexpected delay due to rain, postponing the start by nearly an hour. At 1:21 pm EST, the field of 33 cars finally took to the 2.5-mile track for pace laps. Among them was Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske, slated to start tenth and the only Penske driver unaffected by penalties from the previous weekend’s qualifying session. However, before the race officially began, McLaughlin lost control during tire warm-up and crashed heavily into the inside wall on the frontstretch, instantly ending his race.
The Devastating Impact of McLaughlin’s Pre-Race Crash
McLaughlin’s car, a No. 3 Chevrolet, was destroyed in the collision, leaving the driver visibly broken. Sitting helplessly in the cockpit, he struggled with the shock as his team tried to communicate with him over the radio. After exiting the damaged vehicle, McLaughlin covered his face with his hands in despair.
I really have no idea what happened,
said McLaughlin.
I’m just really upset for my team. They built me a fantastic car again. I’m really sorry to my sponsors, my fans, my family … I don’t know why. I can’t believe we’re out of the race. By far the worst moment of my life. I know that’s probably dramatic but I put so much into this race and didn’t get to see the green flag.
—Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske driver
Additional Incidents Mark Chaotic Start to the Race
The turmoil did not end with McLaughlin’s crash. Soon after, Scott Dixon’s car began emitting smoke with a small fire visible near the left rear, though the issue was resolved quickly. The first flying lap saw more drama when Marco Andretti crashed into the wall at Turn 1, abruptly ending his 20th Indy 500 attempt without completing a single green-flag lap.
Yeah, just (should have) been patient,
Andretti reflected when asked about the crash.
But once I was committed, I couldn’t have moved. I kind of at the wall. I haven’t seen it yet but whoever was next to me, crowded me and I ran out of room.
—Marco Andretti, IndyCar driver
Race Outcome and Implications for Drivers and Team Penske
Both McLaughlin and Andretti recorded their poorest Indy 500 finishes, placing 33rd and 32nd respectively. The race itself managed only 20 laps before rain returned, triggering another caution flag. For Team Penske, already dealing with penalties and controversy from the prior session, the pre-race crash involving McLaughlin intensified frustrations and cast uncertainty over their prospects in the event.
The premature end of McLaughlin’s race before the green flag significantly impacted the team’s strategy and morale. With rain interruptions and multiple incidents unfolding early, the 109th Indianapolis 500 began in chaos, leaving drivers and fans stunned by the unexpected setbacks. Moving forward, the events highlight how unpredictable and unforgiving the Indy 500 can be, even before official racing begins.
