Indianapolis 500 Practice Crash Involves Rossi and O'Ward Alexander Rossi and Pato O'Ward were involved in a significant crash during practice for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 on Monday, marking a dramatic setback for two of the race’s top contenders. The incident occurred in Turn 2 as the field rushed to complete laps before an approaching line of thunderstorms forced the cancellation of the two-hour session. Rossi’s car lost control, snapping loose and crashing heavily into the outside wall. The impact lifted his wheels off the ground, creating a hazardous situation that led to O’Ward spinning into the wreck. Romain Grosjean, another driver, was also caught in the collision. All three drivers were able to exit their vehicles unharmed, though the severity of the crash raised immediate concerns. Rossi was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, where he was reported awake and alert approximately an hour after the incident. O’Ward and Grosjean were quickly cleared by infield medical staff and returned to the track. IndyCar confirmed that Rossi’s team, Ed Carpenter Racing, swiftly deployed a backup car to replace the damaged primary vehicle, demonstrating the team’s preparedness for such emergencies. Rossi, who had qualified third for the Indianapolis 500 just a day earlier, was set to start on the front row behind pole-sitter Alex Palou. O’Ward, who qualified sixth on the second row, faced a similar challenge as his team worked to assess damage to his car. The crash not only disrupted their preparation but also posed logistical hurdles for both teams. Repair efforts would need to be prioritized to ensure the drivers could compete in the race, though IndyCar rules allow drivers to retain their starting positions even if they use backup cars.#indy_500 #alexander_rossi #pato_oward #romain_grosjean #ed_carpenter_racing
Indy 500 Weather Forecast Predicts Warm, Humid Race Day The National Weather Service has not yet released a definitive forecast for the 2026 Indy 500, but AccuWeather’s 10-day outlook suggests May 24 will bring warm, humid conditions with a slight chance of rain. The forecast predicts a high of 78 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by a 30% probability of precipitation. While these conditions are subject to change in the coming days, the prediction highlights the potential for a challenging Race Day, with temperatures and humidity levels expected to remain elevated. IndyStar’s historical weather analysis provides additional context, noting that rain has occurred on May 24 only once since 2006. Over the past two decades, the average temperature for the day has remained in the upper 60s, making this year’s forecast a notable departure from historical norms. The National Weather Service’s absence of a finalized forecast underscores the uncertainty surrounding the event, though AccuWeather’s data offers a baseline for preparation. Race Day is expected to feature mostly cloudy skies, with a very high UV index of 8, prompting concerns about sun exposure for spectators. Wind conditions are projected to shift northeast at a steady 4 miles per hour, with gusts peaking at 12 mph. While thunderstorms are considered a very small possibility, the combination of humidity and heat could create uncomfortable conditions for attendees. Morning humidity levels are anticipated to reach 84%, with the air becoming slightly more tolerable in the afternoon as temperatures stabilize. Low temperatures are expected to remain in the low 60s, offering a brief reprieve from the heat. Beyond Race Day, the weekend’s weather patterns provide further insight into the event’s potential challenges.#indianapolis #accuweather #indystar #indy_500 #karl_schneider
