Scott McLaughlin had been fast all weekend and was closing out Saturday’s (March 28) practice session at Barber Motorsports Park in search of that same pace in his No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet.
Unfortunately, on the pit straight, McLaughlin’s right-front tire bit into the grass as he was preparing to take the first corner for a flying lap.
McLaughlin spun 180 degrees at high speed and skidded through the gravel trap before catching air over the Armco barrier and plowing backward through the fence.
The Kiwi climbed out of the car unharmed and ready to take on qualifying later on in the afternoon.
“I feel fine,” McLaughlin said. “Testament to the IndyCar safety and whatnot. It was fine, just dropped the right rear [into turn 1]. I’ve seen other people do that before in testing. Unfortunately, I was the one that did it today … I’m hoping the damage doesn’t look that bad. The crash was pretty theatrical, but I feel fine, and just want to get back out there.”
2026 IndyCar Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix Preview
McLaughlin is a two-time winner at Barber, winning back-to-back in 2023 and 2024. He finished third in last year’s 14th running of the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix.
“Motorsports are built on accidents like this that we learn from,” McLaughlin said. “Do you want to see a car going through the catch fence? No, but do you want the catch fence to do a good job? Yes.”
McLaughlin shared that compared to other impacts in his career this shocking crash was smaller compared to the average crash he’s experienced.
“It was like the smallest one,” McLaughlin said. “I’ve had a few lately. It looked a lot worse than it felt. I’m currently going to go back and just check my jeans and be good to go.”
IndyCar will go green from Barber on Sunday, March 29, at 1 p.m. ET with coverage provided by FOX.
