Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, suffered a major crash during the ongoing Indianapolis 500 open test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, generating significant reactions from fans and media alike. The incident occurred on the morning session of Day 2 of the test, as Larson was exiting Turn 1 into Turn 2 when he lost control of his No. 17 Hendrickcars.com Arrow McLaren Chevrolet and slammed into the SAFER Barrier.
Larson described the crash as his first in an IndyCar, explaining that he experienced a “tight” condition in the car, meaning the front end would not turn properly, causing understeer through Turn 1 and ultimately running out of space off the turn. He blamed himself for forgetting to activate the weight jacker going into the turn, which contributed to the loss of control. Despite the severity of the crash, Larson was unharmed and was checked and released from the infield medical center at the Speedway.
The crash sequence involved Larson spinning out of Turn 1, hitting the wall, bouncing down to the warmup lane, then making additional contact with the wall in Turn 2 before coming to a stop. Larson remarked that the impact felt similar to hitting the wall in NASCAR, though he acknowledged that IndyCar crashes can be much more severe. He expressed relief at surviving his first IndyCar crash and gaining valuable experience from it.
Following the crash, Larson’s team decided not to attempt repairs during the test day, opting instead to transport the damaged car back to their shop. Larson will have ample time to prepare for the Indianapolis 500 in May, with additional practice sessions planned. He remains confident and mentally unaffected by the incident, focusing on refining the car setup and his performance for the race.
Fans reacted to the crash on social media with a mix of humor and support. Some joked about the crash location, comparing it to NASCAR tracks, while others praised Larson as one of the best drivers in the world and expressed relief that he was unharmed. The crash also drew comparisons to other drivers, such as Max Verstappen, with some fans debating their skills. Positive comments highlighted Larson’s resilience and experience across various racing disciplines.
In the same testing session, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato also crashed at Turn 1, losing control and hitting the wall hard. Like Larson, Sato was checked and released from medical care without injury.
Larson reflected on his favorite moment from the 2024 Indy 500, emphasizing the excitement of qualifying and the large crowds, which added to the atmosphere. He finished 18th in last year’s race, earning Rookie of the Year honors, and is aiming for a top-10 finish in the upcoming 2025 event.
In summary, Kyle Larson’s crash during the 2025 Indy 500 open test was a significant moment that provided him with firsthand experience of the challenges of IndyCar racing. Despite the crash, Larson remains optimistic and focused on his preparation for the iconic race, with fans and the racing community closely watching his progress.