Sting Ray Robb was awake, alert and in good condition after a wild multi-car crash during the final lap of Sunday’s IndyCar race in Iowa. The terrifying incident fortunately did not result in any serious injuries.
It could have been a lot worse.
Alexander Rossi was the unintentional instigator to the entire IndyCar wreck. He slowed down out of a turn on the far side of the track with Robb right behind him at a much greater speed.
Robb was unable to avoid the left rear of Rossi and contact launched him high into the air. The No. 41 car did multiple flips down the backstretch before finally settling upside down on its aeroscreen.
Meanwhile, Rossi swerved out of the way and threw on his breaks. That created an even bigger issue. Ed Carpenter was right behind the initial incident and followed Rossi to the nearside in an effort to avoid the flying vehicle. The latter slammed the former in to the barrier. Kyle Kirkwood, who spun out on the track just moments prior, came up right behind them in reverse.
All of the contact between cars also sent Carpenter airborne, though not to the extent of Robb— who had yet to come to a full stop and was still sliding down the track. Carpenter ultimately landed upside down on top of Rossi. Other cars were also involved to a lesser extent.
Rossi, Carpenter and Kirkwood were able to walk away even though the wreck shook them up.
I know Rossi was running out of fuel and stayed on line, and he was going much, much slower. My spotter appraised me of the situation, but clearly it was a bit too late for Sting Ray there.
— Kyle Kirkwood
Carpenter was fine, just angry. He put some blame on Robb.
I knew Alex was off pace at the end. My spotter told me a couple laps before. It looked like Sting Ray just misjudged the closing rate somehow even though it was clear Rossi was slow.
I spun just trying to get down, didn’t think it was going to be that bad. I slid into Alex, Kirkwood came from behind me, hit me and launched me over the top of Alex. That was the hardest part of the crash.
— Ed Carpenter
Will Power ultimate hung on to win the 250-lap race at Iowa Speedway, but the multi-car crash overshadowed the final result. It was one of the craziest wrecks in recent racing history and it is truly fortunate that everybody involved was okay!