Scott McLaughlin unharmed after heavy impact in practice at Barber Motorsports Park
Scott McLaughlin walked away from a heavy crash during a practice session ahead of the Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix on March 27, 2026, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.
The New Zealand driver, competing for Team Penske in the No. 3 Chevrolet, lost control while attempting a hard left turn. His car slid off course and struck the wall rear-end first. Commentators estimated a speed of at least 150 mph at impact. An emergency response was initiated at the 2.38-mile, 17-turn road course.[1][2]
In-car footage captured McLaughlin bringing his hands to his head as the car began to lose control. He exited the wreckage unaided.
McLaughlin, 32, joined the NTT IndyCar Series full-time in 2020, making his debut at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.[3] As of the end of the 2024 season, he had recorded five victories.[3][4]
His results at Barber Motorsports Park include a best finish of second place in 2023, with finishes of 23rd in 2021, seventh in 2022 and third in 2024.[4]
In the Indianapolis 500, McLaughlin's best result is fifth place in 2023. He started from pole position in 2024 before crashing on lap 47.[3][4]
He placed third in the 2023 IndyCar championship standings and fourth in 2024.[3]
Sources
- NTT IndyCar Series
Barber Motorsports Park
Accessed October 2024
https://www.indycar.com/tracks/barber-motorsports-park - Barber Motorsports Park
About the Track
Accessed October 2024
https://www.barbermotorsports.com/track-information/ - NTT IndyCar Series
Scott McLaughlin Driver Page
Accessed October 2024
https://www.indycar.com/Drivers/Scott-McLaughlin - NTT IndyCar Series
2024 Driver Standings and Results
Published November 2024
https://www.indycar.com/stats#/2024/standings/drivers
