Pagenaud survives horror crash to race another day

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Simon Pagenaud relied on his lucky star to walk away unscathed from a monumental high-speed crash in Saturday's pre-qualifying practice session for this weekend's Honda Indy 200 IndyCar round at Mid-Ohio.

The French driver reported a brake failure on his Meyer Shank Racing machine as he approached Mid-Ohio's Turn 4, his car veering off course in the gravel trap which led to seven full somersaults and to "the wildest ride" in his career.

"It was a hell of a ride for sure," Pagenaud said. "Something broke and I couldn't slow down. I tried to make the corner anyways, I was like, 'Maybe I can.'

"I know that gravel is (trouble). Michael Andretti has done it (in 1998). I guess I'm joining another legend, so that's cool.

"But I was just trying to bail out. It's downhill, which is nuts. Basically, the car took off. I hit the gravel and it just rolled.

"So, just glad I didn't go over the tyre wall and so glad we have the aeroscreen. I'm really thankful for IndyCar and the aeroscreen safety."

The 2019 Indy 500 winner was evaluated and released by IndyCar's medical team, but wasn't cleared to return to racing on Saturday. He will be re-evaluated on Sunday morning.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.