Scott McLaughlin’s Indy 500 crash became a defining moment of the 109th running of the event, as the Team Penske driver lost his chance at victory after an incident before the green flag even dropped. Taking place at Indianapolis, the accident occurred during the pre-race pace lap after a rain delay put extra challenges on drivers and their tires, putting the focus squarely on the Scott McLaughlin Indy 500 crash as a turning point of the day.
Despite the strong pace shown by Team Penske on oval tracks, McLaughlin’s race ended before it even began. With the track left slick from a drizzle that delayed the start by nearly 45 minutes, drivers had extra difficulty bringing their cars and tires up to competitive temperature during the warm-up laps.
A Critical Error on Cold Tires
Trying to generate heat for better grip, Scott McLaughlin swerved energetically down the straight to warm his tires, mimicking what nearly all drivers were doing on the circuit. Suddenly, as he passed along the main straight, McLaughlin lost traction in his No. 3 Team Penske Chevy, veered left, and collided harshly with the pit wall barrier. The impact sheared the front wing from his vehicle, severely damaged the car’s left front suspension, and forced him off onto the grass—his day effectively over before it began.
The immediate aftermath showed just how crushing the moment was. McLaughlin was visibly distressed, sitting on the grass, helmet off, head in hands, as the gravity of the moment settled in. In the following months, the memory of the costly misjudgment lingered, continuing to trouble the celebrated Kiwi driver. Yet, time introduced a touch of levity to what was once only painful.
“It was really tough in the moment and probably months after,” said Scott McLaughlin. “You look back on it now, like I still haven’t watched the race. I don’t want to watch the race cuz I know that I’m a big part of the start and that sucks. But at the same time, I laugh about it. Like it was the stupidest thing I’ve done or most silliest moments ever happened to me.”
“But ultimately, everyone makes a mistake, and honestly, that was something that got from under me. And as long as your family, my team, everyone’s behind me, there’s no point looking backwards. Just get going,” he added.
Not His First Crash That Week
The pre-race incident marked McLaughlin’s second crash in the hectic days leading up to the major event. During practice earlier in the same week, McLaughlin—already a seven-time race winner—lost control and sent his car briefly airborne. Fortunately, he was unharmed in that scare, but the compounding setbacks cast a shadow over his shot at one of motorsport’s most coveted trophies.
Lingering Frustration and a Clash of Sporting Loyalties
Reflecting with James Coker in an interview for IndyCar‘s official channel, McLaughlin admitted the months after the crash were surprisingly difficult, colored by frustration, disappointment, and a tinge of embarrassment. However, the emotional toll gradually eased as he could joke about his costly error.
Adding another layer to the drama surrounding the 2024 event, McLaughlin stirred humor by contemplating how his allegiances could have made him the subject of playful scorn in Indiana. With most drivers, staff, and fans attached to the Indiana Pacers basketball team, McLaughlin—an avowed New York Knicks supporter—stood out as an outlier during NBA playoff season.
On the day of the Indy 500, the Pacers faced the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. Alex Palou, who won the race, attended the game with his winner’s wreath, showing his support for the local team. McLaughlin described how he, as a Knicks fan, would have embraced the rivalry if he had won.
“I bet you bottom dollar, if I had won the 500 that day, I was going to that game with my Knicks gear on, and showing myself on the board, like Palou did,” he said [25:20 onwards]. I would’ve been the most hated individual in Indie, but that’s why it was never meant to be, probably.”
Continuing Setbacks for McLaughlin and Team Penske
The hardships didn’t end with the Indy 500. McLaughlin and his teammate on Team Penske faced a series of misfortunes as the IndyCar season progressed. By season’s end, McLaughlin finished 10th in the championship standings—dropping seven places compared to his result from 2024. Despite the disappointment, the unity among his family, his team, and fans carried him through the adversity.
Looking Forward in the IndyCar Series
For Scott McLaughlin, the 2024 Indy 500 remains a hard lesson in the unpredictable and sometimes cruel nature of motorsport. The crash, emotional fallout, and lighthearted reflections have shaped his perspective as he prepares for future races. The enduring loyalty from Team Penske and his supporters, as well as his willingness to own his mistake, show the resilience required to compete at the top level.
The incident, while painful, may ultimately become just one chapter in the continuing career of a dedicated driver known for both his fiery competitiveness and his ability to find humor in heartbreak. With new starts ahead and fresh challenges on the horizon, eyes will remain on Scott McLaughlin as he chases redemption in future IndyCar events.
