Former Formula 1 driver Max Chilton became the first Chevrolet to test INDYCAR’s safety improvements in a vicious crash during Saturday’s lone practice session.
The British rookie was running during a rain-delayed practice sessions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway when he lost control of his machine going through Turn 2. Chilton’s No. 8 Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara-Chevrolet then spun around 270 degrees before slamming nose-first violently into the outside wall.
Chilton got out of his machine under his own power and waved to the fans before heading to the IMS infield care center, where he was cleared to drive.
The crash came in the first group of the lone Saturday practice, which was delayed by more than three hours due to early rain at the 2.5-mile oval. Chilton had completed a 228.359mph lap on his previous circuit, good for 11th on the speed charts.
Chilton’s crash was the second of the week, joining fellow rookie Spencer Pigot, who crashes his Honda during one of the week’s practice sessions.
Chilton will return to the grid for time trials at 2:15 p.m. ET, where he will attempt to be one of the nine cars advancing to Sunday’s pole shootout.
About the author
A graduate of Ball State, Aaron rejoins Frontstretch for his second season in 2016 following a successful year that included covering seven races and starting the popular "Two-Headed Monster" column in 2015. Now in his third year of covering motorsports, Aaron serves as an Assistant Editor for Frontstretch while also contributing to other popular sites including Speed51 and The Apex. He encourages you to come say hi when you see him at the track.
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