The scariest moments in auto racing are often at the start of the Indianapolis 500, when the green flag sends all 33 starters accelerating toward the narrow first turn.
Crashes have occurred on the first lap on six occasions in the past 23 years. That includes 2001, when pole-starter Scott Sharp hit the wall just seconds after the start. In 2006, teammates P.J. Chesson and Jeff Bucknum collided on the second lap and went into the wall.
“Some segments of the race are about position, but the first turn of the first lap isn’t one of them,†Indy Racing League president Brian Barnhart said Saturday at the drivers meeting along the straightaway at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Let’s get off to a safe start.â€
It’s a warning he gives the drivers every year… Details