McLaughlin Crashes Out of Indy 500 During Pace Laps

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief

Scott McLaughlin’s chances of winning the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 ended before ever taking the green flag after crashing out under the pace laps.

The start of the race was delayed due to rain as drivers waited in their respective cars. Once engines were fired at 1:21 pm ET, the field rolled off for initial pace laps.

McLaughlin rolled off 10th in the No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet and was warming up his tires on the frontstretch on the last pace lap ahead of the green flag when the car lost control, pounding the inside wall before settling at the inside of Turn 1.

OH, NO! @smclaughlin93 crashes on the pace laps to start the #Indy500. pic.twitter.com/XTYgbhDN20

— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 25, 2025

It was his second incident in the last week after suffering an airborne crash in Fast 12 practice ahead of qualifying last Sunday.

The 31-year-old New Zealander was left frustrated and shocked from the latest incident.

“I really have no idea what happened,” McLaughlin said. “Just really upset for my team, they built me a fantastic car again. I’m really sorry to my sponsors, my fans, and my family. I just can’t believe we’re out of the race.

“I had so much hope today. It’s, by far, the worst feeling of my life. I know it’s probably dramatic. I put so much in this race, as everyone does, I just didn’t even get to see the green flag.”