Alexander Rossi crash, backup car ready

Alexander Rossi crashed during Indianapolis 500 practice on Monday, May 18, and Ed Carpenter Racing has prepared a backup car as the 2016 race winner works to be cleared for Sunday’s 110th running. INDYCAR said Rossi underwent outpatient procedures Monday night to repair injuries to a finger on his left hand and his right ankle. The team said the No. 20 Java House Chevrolet crew will return with the spare car for final practice on Friday, May 22. Road & Track reported Wednesday that team president Tim Broyles believes the backup should be competitive if Rossi is medically cleared to race. ### How badly was Rossi hurt in the Monday crash? INDYCAR said Rossi suffered minor injuries in the crash and had successful outpatient procedures Monday evening. The series said he is in good spirits, has no additional injuries, and remains under the care of INDYCAR Medical Director Dr. Julia Vaizer and the series medical team. Monday’s incident began at 1:28 p.m. (indycar.com) ET in Turn 2 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, according to INDYCAR. Rossi spun in the No. 20 Chevrolet, hit the SAFER Barrier, and was then struck by Pato O’Ward, who spun under braking while trying to avoid him. Romain Grosjean also hit the wall while avoiding the wreck. O’Ward and Grosjean were released without injury, while Rossi was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. ### Why does a backup car matter this late in race week? The No. 20 crew’s backup matters because Rossi’s original car took heavy damage in the crash. INDYCAR said both Rossi’s and O’Ward’s cars suffered major damage, forcing Ed Carpenter Racing to shift its focus from a front-row qualifier’s primary car to a spare chassis before final practice. (indycar.com) Road & Track reported Wednesday that the backup would be used only if Rossi is cleared to race, with Broyles saying the team expected the spare to be strong enough for Sunday. Fox59 also reported that Rossi planned to use the backup in Friday practice. ### What was Rossi’s position before the crash? Rossi entered race week as one of the fastest drivers in the field. (indycar.com) INDYCAR said he qualified second on Sunday, his best Indianapolis 500 starting position, and Fox59 listed his four-lap qualifying average at 231.990 mph, placing him on the middle of the front row alongside pole-sitter Alex Palou and David Malukas. (roadandtrack.com) Fox59 said Ed Carpenter Racing had another strong oval showing overall, with team owner-driver Ed Carpenter also qualifying 13th. That gave the team pace to protect even as Rossi’s status became one of the central questions of race week. ### What has Rossi said since leaving the hospital? Rossi said Tuesday that he expected to have his leg cast removed on Wednesday and hoped to return for the race weekend schedule. (indycar.com) In an appearance recorded with former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe, Rossi said, “One of those incidents where you’re just blown away repeatedly by the safety of IndyCar and all of the advancements they’ve made.” (fox59.com) Rossi also said his main issue was a “small bone on the inside” of his right ankle, according to Fox59. He said, “This all looks very dramatic, but you basically can’t be weight-bearing through this process while they try to control the swelling.” ### What decides whether he starts on Sunday? (fox59.com) Friday’s Miller Lite Carb Day practice is the next public checkpoint for Rossi’s return. INDYCAR said his progress will continue to be evaluated with the intent of participating in final practice from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and in the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (fox59.com) Sunday’s race is scheduled for 12:45 p.m., Fox59 reported. INDYCAR medical staff, led by Vaizer, will continue evaluating Rossi in the days leading up to the start, while Ed Carpenter Racing keeps the backup car ready if he is cleared to take the green flag. (fox59.com) (indycar.com)