Three car crash on the first lap of the Indy 500

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — It didn’t take long for the first yellow flag of the race. It was on the first turn of the first lap, to be exact. Tom Blomqvist went too low on the first turn, spinning out. His car began to spin and ultimately went right into the path of 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson, taking them both out. Pietro Fittipaldi was also involved in the crash.

All three drivers are done for the race.

“I’m just so disappointed for the team, more than anything,” Blomqvist said. “Obviously also the other guys who got involved in that for no fault of their own, so that’s a disappointing way to end your day before you even get started.”

“It’s just very frustrating,” Ericsson said. “I mean, we had a good start and then there’s one car spinning in turn one and of course it’s the car that’s right in front of me. I can’t believe it. It’s just so frustrating and I’m struggling to find words.”

Two years ago, Ericsson won the race. Last year, he finished second. He crashed early on in practice for the race this year. It set him back in qualifying, where he had to compete on bump day for one of the last three spots in the race. He ended up qualifying 32nd.

“I felt like I could really fight for the win today with that car and I was so excited about the challenge to go through the field in this race,” Ericsson said. “I couldn’t wait for this race.”

This was Blomqvist’s first ever start in the Indianapolis 500. He started in 25th.

This was Fittipaldi’s second career start in the race. He did not compete in either of the last two years and he finished 25th in 2021, his only other start. This year he qualified 30th.