INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Marcus Armstrong was taken away on a stretcher after a heavy crash in practice for Indianapolis 500 qualifying, and it was unclear who would get into Meyer Shank Racing's backup car even if it was ready to make a four-lap run later Saturday.
The 24-year-old from New Zealand hit the wall going into Turn 1 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where winds gusting to nearly 30 mph made for treacherous conditions as the cars approached 240 mph at the end of the long front stretch.
Armstrong was able to climb from his wrecked car after it finally came to rest on the track, but he was immediately helped onto a stretcher.