HVM Racing's Simona de Silvestro become the first driver to crash during preparations for this year's Indianapolis 500, as the HVM racer had a dramatic accident early in Thursday's practice session.
De Silvestro's Nuclear Clean Energy-backed Dallara appeared to suffer a mechanical failure in Turn 3, hitting the wall and twice becoming airborne before landing upside down and on fire. She was able to extricate herself from the wreckage without assistance and, after being checked at the infield medical center, the Swiss driver was transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis to be treated for second-degree burns on her right hand and superficial burns on her left hand. She will meet with the IndyCar medical staff on Friday to evaluate her driving status.
HVM Racing owner Keith Wiggins said the chassis isn't repairable, and the team is preparing the backup that de Silvestro drove for 13 laps last Saturday (May 14).
"Yes, we can build a good car, but it probably won't be as good as the original car because that was built specifically for here," said Wiggins. "There are a lot of specialities about building a car for here, and we only had one of those built because that is all our resources will allow. So the question is, will this car be as quick as the other one? That's the challenge."