Video: ECR's Rinus Veekay escapes heavy crash at Indy

©IndyCar

Ed Carpenter Racing's Rinus Veekay crashed heavily on the opening day of IndyCar's two-day test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Dutchman was lucky to escape the wreck unscathed save for a broken finger.

IndyCar kicked off on Thursday its preparations for the 105th running of the Indy 500, with 32 teams and drivers taking part in the two-day Open Test at the Speedway.

It was a painful if not downright terrifying start for Rinus Veekay however who lost it in the middle of Turn 1 when the Ed Carpenter Racing Dallara's front left wheel dipped below the white line and onto the grass.

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Veekay's car then spun and flew off at a tangent but fortunately did not hit the wall head-on. Still, the impact was massive, but the 20-year-old was able to extricate himself from the wreck and walk away.

He was nevertheless taken to the Speedway's medical center from where he was later released after being diagnosed with nothing more than a broken finger.

I'm ok, a little beat up, but I'm alright, I can drive again," Rinus told the media.

"I want to say sorry to the team, I wanted to do as many laps as possible. Very very unfortunate, and I'm very sorry but it was a very weird moment.

"It felt good on entry, but the front dipped down and I lost it. Once that happens, you're a passenger."

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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.