IndyCar Driver Colton Herta Under Fire For Threat Of Gun Violence Against Officials

Andretti Autosport IndyCar driver Colton Herta finds himself in hot water over a comment about gun violence toward race officials.

Herta, 24, is one of the biggest stars in the series and was even linked with a potential Formula 1 spot.

But, despite having fast cars, recent races have been a struggle for him. Herta crashed out of Indy 500 while running in second place. Then he had crashes at both Detroit and Road America that kneecapped otherwise promising days.

The latter of which occurred when championship leader and Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden ran into the back of Herta’s car on the first lap of the race.

“It wasn’t even close,” Herta said of the incident. “You see me slow down. He doesn’t even attempt to slow down, just dumps me. How that isn’t a penalty is beyond me.”

But that was just the start of Herta’s thoughts on the incident. He then took things even further.

“I think I’ll have to bring a gun and shoot somebody in the head,” Herta told Frontstretch after the race. “And that’s the only way I can get a penalty [called] in this series. So like, it’s ridiculous. It’s insane to me.”

Newgarden went on to finish second, while Herta rebounded to sixth. Newgarden also runs for Team Penske, which is owned by Roger Penske. Penske also owns the IndyCar Series and his team was at the center a massive controversy earlier this season.

Though now it’s Herta who finds himself under scrutiny after using the image of gun violence to show his displeasure.

Herta’s comments were clearly hyperbolic. But it’s still not the best phrasing, especially given how prevalent gun violence in the United States.

Neither IndyCar nor Herta have issued a statement on the comments. But you have to think one is likely coming soon.