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Marcus Armstrong Stretchered Off After Violent Indy 500 Crash/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ New Zealand driver Marcus Armstrong was stretchered off after a high-speed crash during Indianapolis 500 qualifying practice. Strong winds contributed to the accident, which now leaves Meyer Shank Racing scrambling to find a backup driver. Armstrong gave a thumbs-up after the crash but his status for qualifying remains unclear.

Indy 500 Crash Update: Quick Looks

• Marcus Armstrong crashed during Indy 500 qualifying practice on Saturday.
• The incident occurred in Turn 1 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
• Gusts up to 30 mph made conditions extremely dangerous.
• Armstrong exited the car but was stretchered away for medical attention.
• He was alert and gave a thumbs-up before being taken to the infield care center.
• Dr. Julia Vaizer confirmed Armstrong was “awake and doing well.”
• Meyer Shank Racing immediately began preparing a backup car.
• Chip Ganassi Racing is assisting due to its Honda partnership.
• Tony Kanaan is the only eligible backup but is linked to a rival team.
• Qualifying implications mean any late driver replacement may start at the back.

Marcus Armstrong Stretchered Off After Violent Indy 500 Crash

Deep Look

Marcus Armstrong Crashes in Indy 500 Qualifying Practice, Driver Status Uncertain

INDIANAPOLIS — A dramatic crash on Saturday morning has thrown Meyer Shank Racing’s Indianapolis 500 qualifying campaign into chaos. Marcus Armstrong, a 24-year-old New Zealander, slammed into the wall in Turn 1 during a high-speed practice session ahead of qualifyingprompting immediate medical intervention and backup car preparations.

The incident occurred amid dangerous wind conditions, with gusts reaching nearly 30 mph. Drivers were pushing their cars to speeds approaching 240 mph on the long front straight at Indianapolis Motor Speedway when Armstrong lost control and impacted the outside barrier with significant force.

Despite the severity of the crash, Armstrong was able to exit the wreckage under his own power. He was quickly assisted onto a stretcher and gave a reassuring thumbs-up to onlookers before being transported to the track’s infield medical center.

Backup Car Ready — But No Driver Named

As Armstrong’s condition continues to be evaluated, the spotlight turns to Meyer Shank Racing’s next move. The team quickly began assembling a backup car, but a crucial question remains unanswered: who will drive it?

Due to the tight qualifying schedule, time is of the essence. The seven-hour qualifying window opened Saturday, leaving MSR with little margin for error. While the team is receiving technical support from Chip Ganassi Racing — a fellow Honda-powered outfit — the driver situation is complex.

Veteran Tony Kanaan is the only available racer who has completed the required Indy refresher course. However, Kanaan is currently a team principal with Chevrolet-powered Arrow McLaren and only took the refresher to potentially serve as a backup for NASCAR’s Kyle Larson. That scenario presents a clear conflict of interest, both in team allegiance and manufacturer alignment.

If Armstrong is unable to return and no eligible driver is immediately available, the team may have to wait until Sunday for another candidate to complete a refresher session. But that delay would relegate the No. 66 entry to the final three spots on the 33-car grid, making the path to race day far more difficult.

Reaction in the Paddock

Fellow drivers expressed concern and sympathy for Armstrong. Felix Rosenqvist, his teammate, described the crash as “weird” and said he tried to follow developments from his cockpit.

The crash has sent ripples through the paddock on the eve of one of the most critical qualifying sessions in motorsports. With the Indy 500 set for May 25, time is running out for teams to lock in their grid positions — and Meyer Shank Racing now faces the possibility of fielding a car without its intended driver.

Meanwhile, fans and fellow drivers are awaiting updates on Armstrong’s condition and the team’s decision on who, if anyone, will take the wheel in time to qualify.

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