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Scott McLaughlin Crashes Hard in IndyCar Practice at Barber Motorsports Park
The Team Penske driver was unhurt and eager to put back-up car back on track for qualifying.
Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:07pm
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NTT IndyCar Series racer Scott McLaughlin had a scary crash during Saturday morning practice at Barber Motorsports Park, cutting the pre-qualifying session short. McLaughlin said he misjudged the apex of Turn 1, got the right rear tire off the track, and went into a high-speed skid that sent him backwards through the catch fence. The two-time winner at this venue was unhurt and plans to switch to a backup car for qualifying.
Why it matters
McLaughlin is one of the top drivers in the NTT IndyCar Series, with two previous wins at Barber Motorsports Park. His crash during practice highlights the dangers and unpredictability of high-speed racing, and will be a major storyline heading into qualifying and the race on Sunday.
The details
According to the report, McLaughlin said he was 'trying to open the apex of [Turn] 1' when he lost control of his car, went into a high-speed skid, and slammed through the bottom of the catch fence. The impact displaced retention cables and sent his car backwards halfway through the fencing. McLaughlin said the crash 'looked a lot worse than it felt' and that he was 'gutted for my Odyssey Battery guys' but was eager to get back out on track with a backup car for qualifying.
- The crash occurred during Saturday morning practice at Barber Motorsports Park, cutting the session short by 4 minutes.
- Sunday's 90-lap race is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. (local time).
The players
Scott McLaughlin
A two-time winner at Barber Motorsports Park in the NTT IndyCar Series, driving for Team Penske.
Alex Palou
The Chip Ganassi Racing driver was fastest in the practice session.
What they’re saying
“I knew I was done. I dropped the right rear and spun, so I just tried to brace myself a bit. I think the crash looked a lot worse than it felt. I'm gutted for my Odyssey Battery guys.”
— Scott McLaughlin, NTT IndyCar Series Driver
“The car felt good. A little bit loose this morning. Cold temps were making it a bit different. But I feel good and love this place. I just want to get back out there [for qualifying] and be good. I just want to go out and go for pole.”
— Scott McLaughlin, NTT IndyCar Series Driver
What’s next
McLaughlin plans to switch to a backup car and compete in qualifying later on Saturday in preparation for Sunday's race.
The takeaway
This crash underscores the risks and challenges that IndyCar drivers face, even at a familiar track like Barber Motorsports Park. Despite the scary incident, McLaughlin emerged unscathed and is determined to bounce back and compete for the pole position, demonstrating the resilience and competitive spirit that defines top-level motorsports.
