Image via IndyCarOnFox/X
It’s safe to say Kyffin Simpson is counting his lucky stars after crashing big during Indy 500 practice on Fast Friday. His No. 8 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda spun out as the driver exited Turn 4, slamming into the wall before going airborne and threatening to flip, wrecking out most gloriously right into the entrance at pit road.
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It happened not even an hour into practice on Friday after several drivers have punched past 230 mph, thanks to the increased boost. But with great speed can come great crashes, something Simpson demonstrated most dramatically.
As Simpson’s car was exiting Turn 4, you can see in the video the back end started getting loose and wobbling just a split second before it broke free, tire smoke billowing as the vehicle careened toward the outside wall.
Kyffin Simpson gets some air after hitting the wall. #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/ieEEOULRW7
— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) May 16, 2025
Speaking with IndyCar on Fox, Simpson called the crash “weird” repeatedly, saying “something (about the car) didn’t really feel quite right.” He tried making adjustments as the car didn’t handle the way he wanted, although he and the team don’t seem to know exactly what went wrong.
Damage to the No. 8 car is too severe for it to be repaired. Fortunately, Chip Ganassi Racing has a backup car for Simpson, although the team will have to rush to get it put together and ready to race.
After the crash, Simpson was shown on the Fox broadcast sitting on the wall, removing his helmet while letting out a big breath, likely relieved he was walking and still breathing. As the commentators noted, that was the biggest crash of his career and hopefully will stay that way.
An infield care center check found the driver was truly free of ailments. We’re glad Simpson escaped the crash uninjured. While the car is a goner, it is literally replaceable while the driver isn’t.
Image via IndyCarOnFox/X
