By David Morgan, Associate Editor
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Saturday morning at Barber Motorsports Park saw Alex Palou doing Alex Palou things by leading pre-qualifying practice for the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix.
But Palou’s speedy Honda wasn’t the story of the day, instead that went to Scott McLaughlin, who found his No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet lodged into the catchfence in Turn 1 after a wild ride for the New Zealander.
As McLaughlin streaked down the frontstretch, he dropped a wheel off in the grass, which quickly whipped his machine around and sent him flying backwards through the gravel trap and through the foam and tire barrier, before the catchfence stopped his car dead in its tracks.
McLaughlin was helped out of the battered car by the AMR Safety Team and seen and released from the IndyCar Medical Unit a short time later.
“I knew I was done. I dropped a right rear and just kind of spun and tried to brace myself a little bit. I think the crash looked a lot worse than it felt,” said McLaughlin.
“I’m gutted for my Odyssey Battery guys, but I had a look at the car and I think we can get this thing fixed and I can go ship it again. I just want to go out and go for pole.”
After being shown a replay of the incident, McLaughlin kept the positivity up as he watched a play-by-play of the crash, holding out hope that his team would be able to get the primary car repaired and ready for qualifying later this afternoon.
Here's another look at Scott McLaughlin's big crash at Barber Motorsports Park as he goes through the fence in practice. pic.twitter.com/SKhymSDjsw
— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) March 28, 2026
“I dropped the right rear, spun and was flying backwards,” McLaughlin said. “And wound up halfway through the fence. I’m really upset for my team, but I’m just really hoping they can…I just think the way it slipped through there, it might be OK.
“I’m very thankful for the safety and whatnot. I’ve got the best crew on pit lane, they’ll be OK. Just a little misjudgment at the apex of [Turn] 1 here a little bit. We were right on the edge there, right?
“I knew I was screwed about now,” he continued. “Just hang on and see how we go. It’s not a laughing matter, it’s a mistake and I need to be better. Hopefully we can get back out there and be good.”
Unfortunately, McLaughlin’s hopes of keeping his primary car for the remainder of the weekend were dashed a short time later when it was announced that he would have to go to a backup car for qualifying.
Despite the crash, McLaughlin remains raring and ready to get back out on track when it’s time to lay down a fast lap in qualifying (2:30 pm ET, FOX Sports 1).
“Just get in the car and get going. I can’t wait,” said McLaughlin. “The car feels good. A little bit loose this morning. Cold temps were making it a little bit different. I feel good and love this place and just want to get back out there and have a chance.”
Prior to the crash, McLaughlin was ranked 12th in practice. The session would not resume after the crash as IndyCar officials needed time to make repairs to the battered safety barriers.
Behind Palou leading the session was current IndyCar points leader Kyle Kirkwood, followed by Rinus VeeKay, Romain Grosjean, Marcus Armstrong, Graham Rahal, Marcus Ericsson, Caio Collet, Christian Lundgaard, and Pato O’Ward to round out the top-10.
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