The worst possible time for an IndyCar driver to crash into the wall: while closing in on an Indianapolis 500 victory. That happened at the 2011 Indy 500, and I still have no idea what to say about it. Rookie J.R. Hildebrand overtook Bertrand Baguette to take the white flag and rounded the final corner with a clear shot at the checkered, but couldn’t maintain control.
VIDEO: J.R. Hildebrand Crashes On Indy 500 Final Lap, Giving Dan Wheldon The Victory
The video of Hildebrand’s crash:
The crash wasn’t a dramatic one for its carnage, as Hildebrand was just fine and even able to cruise in for a stomach-turning second-place finish. But considering what it cost him and his team, it’s instantly among the most important crashes in racing history.
Wow.
For more on the race, stay with our 2011 Indy 500 StoryStream. Be sure to head over to Pop Off Valve for all things IndyCar, including the three excellent Indy 500 resources: The Indy 500 experience, Indy 500 traditions and the history of the Indy 500 and the Brickyard.
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