Three-time Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin has survived a spectacular crash in practice ahead of the Indianapolis 500.
The IndyCar driver from New Zealand slammed into the wall on the track's second turn, sending his car into the air and spreading debris across the track.
McLaughlin — who sat on pole last year — was unhurt in the incident but a decision was made to hold him out of the fast 12 shootout, meaning he will start in 12th for next Monday morning's race (AEST).
His was one of three major crashes in the same spot across practice and qualifying, with Colton Herta flipping his car and landing upside down, while Marcus Armstrong also crashed but was able to return in a backup car.
The crash was one of several disasters for team owner Roger Penske, who sees the Indianapolis 500 as the most important race on the calendar.
Moments before the shootout began, rival team owner Chip Ganassi accused Team Penske of cheating.
Minutes later, the cars for two-time defending race winner Josef Newgarden and Australia's Will Power returned to the garage.
IndyCar announced the two cars had failed inspection and would not be allowed to qualify.
The punishment meant that the front row from last year will now start side-by-side-by-side in the fourth row in 10th, 11th and 12th.
The fast 12 was also reduced to just nine cars attempting to advance to the final qualifying round, when six drivers compete for the pole for the race.
The six to advance were Felix Rosenqvist, Pato O'Ward, rookie Robert Shwartzman, Scott Dixon, Alex Palou and Takuma Sato.
ABC/AP
