IndyCar Race at Detroit Red Flagged Due To Serious Crash

Today's IndyCar race at Detroit's Belle Isle street circuit, the first of two races at the track this weekend, has been red flagged after a significant crash.

The incident occurred when Arrow McLaren SP's Felix Rosenqvist downshifted on corner entry. On-board footage shown on NBC's broadcast seemed to show acceleration after that downshift, as if the fly-by-wire throttle was engaged unintentionally. Rosenqvist's car slammed into the end of a tire barrier with significant force, forcing it to land at an awkward angle on top of the tires as a concrete barrier behind it was knocked over.

More on-board angles show that Rosenqvist was conscious and moving around when safety crews arrived, but the awkward angle of the car led to a relatively slow extraction. He is now out of the car and is being attended to by series medical professionals. Beyond what the broadcast showed, no updates have been given on his condition.

Significant barrier damage will require significant repairs. The race was red flagged on lap 28 of 70, but IndyCar has the ability to shorten race distances if they need to get an event in after a significant delaying event.

The race is currently being broadcast on the network NBC, not the NBC Sports Network cable channel that has more flexibility. In addition, an IMSA race is scheduled for a relatively late start at 5 p.m. ET this evening. Both could be factors that lead to a shortened race today.

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