Postponed IndyCar Series race at Texas delayed again

IndyCar driver Josef Newgarden was injured in a hard crash Sunday that sent his vehicle sliding sideways against the frontstretch wall at Texas.

Newgarden was transported by helicopter to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas to be further evaluated for right shoulder and hand injuries, but those appeared to be the most significant issues. Conor Daly’s auto got loose exiting Turn 4, and it turned sharply to the right, which is where Newgarden’s vehicle was traveling. After the initial contact, the cars started drifting down the track before pushing back up with Newgarden’s auto on its side when hitting and sliding along the wall.

Unbelievable, Newgarden climbed out of the auto and stood on his own, but then had to sit down next to his vehicle. He was carried off on a stretcher but gave a thumbs up to the crowd. “He’s a tough kid; I grew up with him”. “I don’t think it’s a really big deal where you qualify as long as you’re up towards the front”.

All drivers posted a qualifying attempt except Gabby Chaves, who crashed the #19 Boy Scouts of America Honda in morning practice and will start Saturday’s 248-lap race at the rear of the grid. You’re on the edge and if you miss by a little bit, it can be a bit of a handful, but the balance is really good.

After several periods of rain earlier Saturday, it was taking an extended time to dry the 1 1/2-mile Texas Motor Speedway track even after the sky cleared considerably late in the afternoon.