Britain’s Jack Harvey retires from debut Indy 500

31st May 2017


Indianapolis 500 debutant Jack Harvey was forced into an early retirement during last Sunday’s 101st running of the race following a collision with the wall.

The incident occurred on lap 67 when Conor Daly attempted to overtake Harvey on the outside of turn 3. Daly subsequently lost control and careered into the wall. Harvey was collected in the resulting debris and forced into the inside wall.

Nevertheless it was an impressive first appearance with Harvey having climbed as high at 15th from starting 27th.

“There was a whole bunch of debris on the track – I hit some of it and the car spun,” said Harvey.

“It’s so disappointing because we worked so hard to get here, so to have the day end like this is heart breaking.

“Despite the premature end to my first Indianapolis 500, this was still the best experience I’ve ever had. The Indianapolis 500 represents so much in the state of Indiana and to the racing world, but it just didn’t go the right way for us today.”

Harvey was driving for Andretti Autosport’s Mike Shank Racing. The eponymous team owner added:

“It’s extremely disappointing when what took us out, was out of our control.

“To have that be the cause that ended our day, it’s frustrating. I feel bad for Jack and the whole team that did so much work.”