In his second qualifying attempt of the first day of Indianapolis 500 qualifying, Alex Palou slid and crashed into the turn 2 wall.
After turning two laps of 231.959 and 231.288 mph, the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda lost traction with the rear of the car and despite Palou’s best efforts, the right side of the car collided with the SAFER barrier near the exit of turn 2.
“Just a bit frustrated. Chip Ganassi Racing gave me a fast car today and during the weekend,” Palou said outside the infield care center. “It was me, I was pushing to try and be faster, just lost the rear on entry and it was a big shame. Things happen, it’s what happens when you try and go fast and you try to put everything to the limit.”
Palou was checked and released from the infield care center and was also cleared to drive. His average of 231.145 mph was not under threat because he left the pit lane from the second lane, and did not have to withdraw his time.
The Spaniard’s average was seventh fastest.
“We’re going to try and fix it for tomorrow and go back out there,” Palou said. “That’s what we do, just really sorry for the team. We have the best cars here and I lost it.
“There’s no way you’re going to get it [back under control] here at the Speedway, unfortunately. I wish, I tried, but there’s no way you can get a car back, especially when it goes from the rear on entry, there’s no way you can get it.”
If Palou goes to a backup car, he will be able to keep his spot in line if his speed holds up for the Fast Nine. Per the INDYCAR Rulebook, rule 8.1.7.1:
“If a Qualified Car is involved in an incident, INDYCAR allows a Backup Car to replace the Qualified Car. The Backup Car will start the Race in the same position in the Starting Lineup as the Qualified Car.”
Palou’s Chip Ganassi Racing teammates Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan and Marcus Ericsson all qualified for the fast nine, turning the first, third and ninth fastest times.
About the author
Christopher DeHarde has covered IndyCar racing and the Road to Indy for various outlets since 2014. In addition to open wheel racing, DeHarde has also covered IMSA and various short track racing events around Indiana. Originally from New Orleans, DeHarde moved to the Indianapolis area in 2017 to further pursue a career as a motorsports writer.
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