2018 IndyCar Pocono Review

[@DavidLand91]

#GetWellWickens

[@rshackelford4445]

David Land #GetWellWickens

[@jakobshelley105]

Get well soon Robert wickens

[@jsma9999]

Hear Hear

[@homeperson11244]

What was bad is that a lot of people blame the track was oval

[@ray9481]

Excellent summation of a tough day for the sport we love. Good job, David.

[@mojorider8067]

increasing the height of the wall is a thought i have supported for a while. considering that most tracks arent near sell-outs anymore, the walls could even be raised on the front straight and there still be plenty of room for people to sit higher with an unobstructed view.

[@zakuzaku3406]

MojoRider 80 then people will bitch and moan and about seats taken out it’s a lose lose

[@frisco557]

I didn't hear anyone complain when the monster truck shows in stadiums tarp off the first few sections for safety. Those tickets are similar in cost to Indycar oval tickets for the lower seats.

[@simrigpc27b12]

Raising the wall is probably the quickest most cost effective way to make a difference currently. And IMS could lead the way, as they have with SAFER.

[@zakuzaku3406]

SimRig PC27b they won’t raise the the wall if it means they lose money and take out seats Also “nascar” fans will have a field day if they remove seats and frankly I’m not in the mood to bitch back and forth between them if the wall does get raised

[@simrigpc27b12]

@@zakuzaku3406 I don't see raising the wall to 8 - 10 feet that most tracks would lose that many seats. Either way, this issue can not be ignored any longer. If we are to continue racing ovals, then something needs to be done, this has been way too many times now.

[@connorallen8111]

The most distasteful thing that happened I thought was Pocono jumping to Hinch’s onboard (I was also in attendance). Like why? He just got clobbered and you cut to his in car as it looked like he was dying. And it took moments for them to switch it off! Wtf are they thinking!

[@honeybadger5198]

I think it was either a glitch or they didn't want to keep showing Wickens wreck because he was clearly in a more dangerous situation. Its actually out of respect.

[@connorallen8111]

HoneyBadger we didn’t see a replay of the wreck on the video screen all day. They could’ve just had a wide shot of the straight away no need to do any onboards

[@penskepc2374]

Maybe racing isn't for you, cupcake.

[@KingC-way425]

Wicken's crash is so similar to Kenny Brack's Texas crash

[@healthyone100]

bracks crash was worse his engine was lying on the track i was there back in 2003

[@troxlotl]

I know right?

[@Scott-lf6wl]

dominick virgilio It’s almost as if safety standards and driver protections have increased since 2003... The point is the actual crash was about the same, even if the end results are different.

[@FormulaPunRacer]

I was there too and boy was it shocking

[@tylerensminger]

Wishing a full recovery for Wickens. Sadly Pocono seems to have a reputation for scary accidents across its history and the Wickens accident looked really bad. As for the championship Rossi is coming on strong but if Dixon keeps up the good finishes I think he could hold off Rossi although it will likely come down to Sonoma I think.

[@mcconville88]

I was at Pocono in section 230 and was directly across from sebastien bourdais pit box. Ive been to many races from IMSA to Nascar and ive never heard a track become so silent. Its an experience that will be with me for the rest of my days. #GetWellWickens Was hoping to meet you this weekend but sadly no go, maybe next year.

[@RunningsRacing]

It really sucks that anybody got injured let alone maybe one of the best rookies in a while. Pocono has had the worst crashes in a while but I still don't think they need to take it off the schedule. Technology will get better and better to the point to where these crashes will be nothing. I think that had been proven in crashes such as Dixon's at last years 500 and Fernando's crash in 2016 where he crawled out of his car even though it looked like it had been through a trash compactor.

[@ceeinfiniti1389]

You do have to remember that scott dixon was very lucky in his indy crash. Had the car landed at the wrong angle on the wall his neck would have been snapped, killing him instantly. What indycar needs to do, and I'm not sure why they have done nothing like this after the crashes that killed Wheldon and Wilson, is install something to protect the driver's head, such as a glass covering (like the red bull prototypes from the Gran Turismo series), or something similar to what is referred to as the "Halo" on today's Formula 1 cars. Although unsightly, its better overall for the driver's safety, and the F1's halo surrounding the driver's head would have saved Wilson's life and quite possibly Wheldon's life. The bottom line is: Something needs to be done.

[@chrish931]

@@ceeinfiniti1389 IndyCar has been testing a windscreen similar to the one Ferrari and Red Bull tested in F1 before the halo, the halo will not work in Indy, they looked into it and the problem with the halo in IndyCar is that on banked ovals the halo is directly in front of the sight line of the apex of the turn, turning blindly into the the apex of the corner would be incredibly dangerous. Not sure how long it's going to take them to get done with the windscreen testing and decide on a final design, hopefully sooner rather than later.

[@Eric.A.Gonzalez]

Cee Infiniti luck is a big factor in wrecks in general. If he was luckier and didn't hit the fence he would have been much better, hurt still but not as bad.

[@Duval-In-The-Wall]

Dixon's crash in 2017 had me REALLY scared. I normally root against Dixon, but damn was he lucky that day, his head mere inches from the wall, an absolutely ridiculous accident

[@Duval-In-The-Wall]

Cee Infiniti It sounds good in theory, but I'm afraid the halo would prove little protection in a catch fence crash

[@whatincarnation95]

#PrayForWickens That wreck is gonna scar me worse than Austin Dillon's Daytona wreck in 2015.

[@jacko6118]

What In Carnation? The rain delay made that race last until like 2am ET and ended with that. Absolutely insane wreck. So lucky no spectators were killed.

[@christophermichael8010]

Or Dan Wheldon’s, IMO. I hope his recovery goes well

[@TheGreatSayiaman]

What In Carnation? Indycar is for MEN NASCAR is for BOYS

[@britten7497]

No, wickens crash is way worse

[@colejohnson6725]

It looks so much worse when they are going so much faster than they are in nascar.

[@ArcticForest]

I just hope Robert is gonna be okay

[@rebekahsexton2033]

Crrrlrs_14 he has a spinal cord injury.

[@ArcticForest]

@@rebekahsexton2033 I know that I mean i hope hes gonna be able to race again as soon as possible

[@Milton_Valenzuela]

Michael Andretti should not have put blame on Wickens. Yes it was a rookie mistake, but at that same time an accident is an accident. No driver wanted it to be intentional, especially wickens. Putting blame on him does not benefit anyone for the fact he's seriously injured. #GetWellWickens

[@chrish931]

I agree in principle ,but at the moment he was asked, not all the facts were in yet about Wickens condition plus he was asked for his opinion into what he thought happened and caused the crash. Nothing Micheal said was incorrect, maybe not in best taste considering the situation. Why did they have to ask that question there, I think the reporters are more to blame for asking the question there than Micheal for answering it.

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

Milton Valen Michael answered the reporters question as to what happened and he told the reporter. The announcers in the booth agreed. It wasn't an issue until some snowflakes started to get offended by it. Frankly it wasn't a "racing incident" and someone is at fault. Just because someone got hurt doesn't change that, and if you think so, you have never been in a drivers meeting where these things are talked about openly or have had a driving coach that can be 100% honest with you about your driving.

[@epiphonium]

Well he is a rookie and should respect his own rookie stripe. Don't push the win in the first few laps. I would have thought that Mike or others in his team might have told him. Maybe he should listen?

[@dylanhale7300]

I agree, having the wall taller would be a good idea. Race tracks aren't selling out anymore anyway, so if it means taking out the lowest few levels of seats, go ahead...

[@Festivus_Miracle]

The car climbed the wall, it would have been up into the fence regardless. Plus, say we raise every wall and the costs go up and a driver gets hurt due to the wall height going up, what then? You can only do so much to help the safety of the drivers. Changing tracks might not be the best option, because cars find a way to crash where they want to.

[@MrKeith8885]

Wish nothing but a speedy and thorough recovery for Wickens. Hate to see accidents like that man...

[@AntarDasL2BR3N23]

That crash was one of the worse crashes I have ever seen. Prayers for Wickens!

[@TheCusterFan]

#PrayforWickens

[@AutoRockinRacing94]

Glad it wasn't the worst case scenario. It's sad that I won't get to see him run and cover his run at Portland and Sonoma, but honestly, I just hope his recovery progress is positive and see him back at least by St. Pete. He's one of the best rookies I've seen in open wheel racing in a real long time and would love to see him blossom into a top driver for years to come.

[@racerboyjeff362]

Ryan Hunter Reay said it perfectly in his interview after coming out of the infield care center

[@hendrick1058]

Praying for Robert. One of my top 3 drivers. #GetWellWickens #WickyBobby

[@bdgracing8888]

At the race in my section. You couldn't see the catch fence so It looked like wickens went over the wall. But the way the atmosphere changed instantly in the stands says so much about how the fans care for driver saftey.

[@gagemcpherson4454]

Was watching on TV with my dad and one of my good friends when we saw Wickens in the catchfence we were all like Jesus chirst NO I thought we had lost him for a bit especially since it took awhile for an update and seeing the helicopter started up was having Vegas flashbacks hope Robbie can eventually recover and eventually race again although a spinal cord injury is still not good hopefully it's not career ending he was lucky he went nose first in the fence and Hunter Reay needs to go buy a lottery ticket with how close he came to being struck in the head by Wickens car

[@Ewane]

Get Well Soon Robert.You are an incredible talent,and have been the star of the season.

[@jonlinen225]

Prayers to you Robby. Get back very soon Bud!

[@nominaltimes]

+Its very hard to express why Indycar veteran fans don't like seeing wrecks.The breadth and scope of damage dissipated meand he was spinning as fast as an LP. That aint human. Racing pilots aren't human in so many ways. I agree. Walls need to be raised, some kind of fan blade tech (like a racing distributor) needs to knock the car down. Wickens did push 20 laps too early, Andretti was right. Late tires matter A BUNCH! I just hope orthopedic means a broken foot. He'll be wearing bread bags for the rest of his life in the shower.These guys are seriously laying it out there. Get well R. Wickens. French Fry got your back, Im sure!!!

[@nominaltimes]

Follow Up: Should the catch fences be between the SAFER barriers and Concrete walls? The barriers and walls are 20-30 iinches seperated from each other (in case you havent seen one up close). Theres ALOT of Foam!

[@lilicewall4343]

nominaltimes what’s a bread bag?

[@nominaltimes]

Johnny Parsons Jr. has to wear bags around his ankles every time he bathes since 198_??? The 100% humidity could swell his ankles to the point of pins (for life) lacerating the muscle in his ankles.? I didn't pry.

[@cameron7552]

I watch the crash and the moment is saw hunter ray get loose I knew that someone would get hurt

[@lanciastratos2625]

Sad to see my number 1 driver in the hospital

[@ryankenyon8856]

With all the safety equipment they have in racing now we have seen more crash become violent with the catch fence in Indy car f1 and nascar I think the catch fence needs to be improved for safety reasons

[@juegotopiagaming]

Open wheel cars are not meant to run this close, point and simple, want to see open wheel racing at ovals? Then cover them wheels or something, And don’t give me this is a dangerous business, one thing is dangerous another is let’s make it even more dangerous.

[@CharlesB9496]

If it’s spinal, could it be possible that he might not race again?

[@lilicewall4343]

TheRacersTV He could be paralyzed

[@minigungaming5915]

We dont know the extent yet

[@ThePeoplesChamp42]

In Aleshin’s crash at Fontana, the fence is different at the bottom than at the top. When Aleshin hit the fence he never hit a pole because the fence kept bouncing his car away from the pole. I think every track should use Fontana’s catch fence design. Let me know what your opinions are about Fontana’s fence.

[@paulcerrezin2498]

Racing of any kind will always be dangerous. Indy car should continue to go ovals but can always find ways to make things safer, like raising the concrete wall. I'm not sure if there is another way to design the fence. it's really designed just keep the cars out of the stands and from not flying out of the track.

[@Teqtra]

okay so i meant to comment this pre pocono race and of course, i failed. I'd love to meet up and have a conversation with you as i have been attending indycar events since 2005 and i live a short distance from the watkins glen race track. It appears we attend the same races as i have been to watkins, pocono, indy, toronto, detroit and continue to attend every year. I also attended pocono yet again this year and meant to leave this comment before the race to see if we could meet up and talk for a little and just get the chance to meet you... oh well.... maybe when they get the brains to bring indy back to watkins again?! :P

[@bigjon9188]

Let me do gateway becouis I live by it

[@zacharywade6366]

#GetWellSoonWickens

[@bigjon9188]

Look at Kasey Kahne track at Pocono in 2010 got in the grass and then came back up the track and went Airborne into the trees

[@lillie1875]

Pretty sure that was what made them put up the fence all the way around

[@walkerhound3934]

Pocono should not be removed from the schedule, and it should be a learning step for Indycar and Pocono Raceway, since the catchfence looked pretty old.

[@bparks_5095]

I've been listening to your videos while logging laps on Heat 2 for a while now, I also watched the Pocono race... I just need to say I love your attitude and I agree with everything you say almost 100% of the time! Definitely one of my new favorite channels, love the content keep it up! 👌

[@walkerhound3934]

#PrayForWickens

[@mathewhosier1663]

Maybe in wrong David, but I haven't seen you comment on indycars announcement about returning to Laguna seca for the finale in 2019

[@z00h]

Why doesn't anyone discuss the fact RHR's spotter kept telling him that he's not clear, yet Ryan came down the track? One of the replays straight after incident included spotter audio although that never got replayed after Andretti's deluded stream of consciousness...

[@dealiffy6533]

Here is a vid I knocked up together showing exactly this in context of Andretti's interview. Why use spotters if you don't listen to them? kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3_LnJ-XgMx5iKc

[@sogmeisterofficial]

I think a big part of the violence of that wreck was that half of the front end was already ripped off before it caught the poles.

[@TyloRen]

Hey David you attending the Sonoma GP?

[@adaml83]

Pocono should probably talk to the track crews for Daytona or Talladega about catch fence repair.

[@TC-uy8ng]

Robert Wickens is one of my favorite IndyCar drivers this year. What a talent. Wishing him all the best and look forward to a speedy recovery.

[@geekhead220]

Raising the walls would a good idea to at least try to stop sonething like Wickens crash or even God forbid a Tony Renna incident

[@VikingArelius]

That was the most violent crash I have ever seen on live TV. All major incidents like AD, Justin Wilson, Dario Franchitti, and so on I have only seen online/replayed

[@TheSpeedracer1982]

I like the higher wall Idea, except for the spectators in the stands. I've thought that if you removed the fences all together and have a 15-20 ft wall some distance behind the first wall. But you couldn't do that in front of the grandstands. Also there's the issue that the tracks are kinda broke right now.

[@eastpenntrainspotting1724]

I live near the Lehigh valley, and I work in the town the ambulance was from, Robert is in good hands at Lehigh valley hospital.

[@AlexRossi5398]

Nothing but the utmost respect for you David, but I just don't know if modern IndyCar racing works at Pocono. This is the second time in four years that we've seen a very serious accident; the first killed a driver and it's a miracle this one didn't kill Robert. Maybe if they slow the cars down or do something to keep them from getting airborne (or raise the wall height, as you've suggested), but otherwise, I'm not sure it's worth it. Still, great video and thank you very much for sitting down and talking about this. I'm sure it wasn't easy being at the track yesterday.

[@yoshter]

with justin wilson it was a piece of debris it wasnt really on the track

[@AlexRossi5398]

I understand Wilson was a freak accident and I suppose that can happen anywhere, but...I don't know man. I guess I don't really have too good of an argument. The track scares the hell out of me. But then again, if the drivers are willing to accept such risks, God bless them and watch over them. I don't know how they were able to get back in their cars and finish the race on Sunday; I don't think I would have had the strength to do that...

[@gagemcpherson4454]

Wilson's tragedy was a freak accident had nothing to do with the track and there was no pack racing just unfortunately wrong place wrong time when he was struck by the debris

[@TyGuy.3000]

I was at the race as well but I did not see the Wickens wreck

[@rustywalrus]

Thank you David! ❤

[@bobblake1788]

I like the added wall height idea, though a small rounded lip on the top might be good. As far as the fence posts, I completely agree, they are the biggest danger. Maybe poles that are made to break away? Possibly have to have a second row of non breakaway posts a few feet behind the fence, every other or every 3rd pole.

[@kben24]

Wickens has gotten pushed around quite a bit this year and it just seemed like he picked the wrong time, wrong place, wrong corner to push the envelope a little bit. Watching it live, you almost wanted to back out for him.

[@TheMotorGuyDirect]

Totally agree

[@sgtpepper6379]

And that's how you know it's a rookie mistake. He's my favorite driver, but pulling that move that early in the race was not smart.

[@zackkrueger876]

We know his engineer and he says he hopes he has a fast recovery and we all he does

[@SpicyMeatloaf]

Thank God the wreck happened on the backstretch. I mean, I’m so happy no spectators were injured in the wreck #PrayForWickens

[@jacobplata]

Good luck at Newcastle, just remember the 3rd and 2nd to last turns are the most difficult on that track.

[@sitnlow4life]

Didn't see you there David

[@jacobplata]

#GETWELLWICKENS

[@acegarcia3719]

I think a good idea would be to make the catchfences more like safer barriers and make the gates out of a softer material and have them mold inwards and absorb impacts on the catchfence to allow the cars to bounce off and take force away from the car and driver. Also I would put a safer barrier foam on the pole circumference to absorb some of the energy. Also I would like the poles to move somewhat to absorb more impact.

[@07perrydew]

Get well soon Wickens! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ChrisT.84fan.]

I believe that indycar should have so kind of halo, or a window halo. It saved a life in F1, James Hinchcliffe had some kind of derby hit his head, Justin Wilson died by derby in 2015. #prayforwickens.

[@CoSmicGoesRacing]

No one knows yet when the aero screen will be implemented. It’s only been tested twice by Scott Dixon at Phoenix and Josef Newgarden at Indy. IndyCar and PPG (Who I think is making these aeroscreens) still seem to be tweaking the part behind the scenes.

[@Highline_29_Designs]

#getwellsoonWickens #raisethosewalls also #bringbackNazereth and no not get rid of Pocono would just like to see that track come back (or a similar configuration).

[@gogulankamaleswaran7795]

#getwellwickens

[@mapleboy0001]

hopefully my favourite driver makes a speedy recovery

[@jamesjordan4955]

I feel that the show would have been better if they had that last practice session. When it comes to the safety aspect, I completely agree with the wall height being raised. It would remove a lot of those awful crashes. I agree with everything mentioned in this video.

[@redluca56]

David, is there a rule saying that only super speedways can have 500 mile races? Because I want to know, would having a 500 mile race at Gateway be a good idea?

[@williamblackwell72]

Great video explaining what happen EveryOne plz Pray for Robert

[@AnthonyLeach]

#GetWellSoonWickens

[@frisco557]

I was in Club Pocono on the pit road side, so I didn't see the crash personally. I did see the video monitor right before and saw Wickens on the inside of RHR going into T2. I thought "He better lift, you can't fit 2 cars in there with how drivers were describing the bump earlier." And then I saw the contact on screen and heard the bangs of the cars hitting the various walls. We didn't get much info, but I did see a couple of the pickups coming down pit lane with their beds full of body panels(mostly Wickens) and various equipment moving out to the scene. Definitely agree with your assessments of the crowds mood when it came to getting the race over with and just the general atmosphere especially when we heard the life flight take off. That wreck was definitely Wickens fault, but during the fence repairs was not the time for RHR's slight comment on Wickens being the cause(on the track PA). I hope Robert gets well soon, you never want to see anybody injured, especially a rookie making a mistake most of the field had made at some point.

[@andrewromanski3903]

Dillon 2015 and Larson 2013 would of been less mangled cars without the poles

[@Kyle86910]

I agree that michael for sure should not have said that, He didnt even say or hope he'd be okay and as a team owner thats unacceptable. But very well said David and Robert is in my prayers I hope he'll be able to drive again

[@chrish931]

Yeah he looked bad, but I don't think he meant it that way. Like most drivers and former drivers you compartmentalize these things and he was put on the spot being ask to explain what he thought happened. I think to some degree he was trying to stick up for his driver, and I think he kind of went into driver mode and just gave honest analysis of what happened but it came off in really bad taste. He also may have thought since the question was asked that the network has seen some things indicating Wickins was ok. Personally I dont think they should have even been asking that question there in that moment. Save the what caused what questions for when you know whether the driver is on or not.

[@iibrettmoffit12]

Cool

[@TimothyChapman]

Before this, I was always wondering why IndyCar even bothered with ovals. But I like your suggestion on what they should do a lot. I also agree that changes need to be made to the wall, but I disagree on what needs to be changed. I think that the overall structure of the fences need to change to move the posts away from the fence itself instead of simply increasing the wall's height. Find a way for the fence to be supported by the posts while keeping the posts at a distance. That way, the fence is more like a transparent safer wall rather than the solid concrete that it currently acts like.

[@reverendrasheemstewart3744]

That was a very scary looking crash I will be praying for him and his family.

[@Jacob-tl8nr]

That was terrifying to watch the wreck. I honestly thought Wickens was dead I thought I had watched a second driver die at Pocono. I’m no engineer so I don’t know but maybe there is a better way to contain the cars in the track. I just hope that the people who handle that get that figured out soon. But what some people seem to forget is that there will always be risk of death or serious injuries the only way to truly prevent it is to not get in the car. The drivers take their lives in their hands every time they get in a race car. I’m just glad no one was killed.

[@johnnystir9796]

Very well done, David. It was an emotional experience for us as race fans.

[@troxlotl]

Wickens’ crash was a terrible accident, I showed my friends in class this and when the car got off the catchfence, they thought Wickens was dead. It reminds me of Kenny Bräck’s accident at Texas in 2005. My thoughts and prayers are with Wickens and his family. #PrayForWickens

[@healthyone100]

2003!

[@troxlotl]

dominick virgilio oops, sorry

[@robminmonaca]

I hope this isn’t going to give Alonso 2nd thoughts about running in INDYCAR. People are saying he should stay in F1 come on people he left F1.

[@DavidLand91]

I doubt it. This literally happened in the 2017 500... just no injuries thankfully.

[@robminmonaca]

David Land but all the F1 and NASCAR fan boys are saying that he is crazy running in indycar. However Pocono and other ovals might need a wall raise.

[@robminmonaca]

David Land I glad that INDYCAR didn’t throw out “phantom cautions” or “competition cautions” like NASCAR does.

[@51ET78]

@@robminmonaca at least competition cautions are scheduled for safety reasons unlike the invisible debris cautions

[@Duval-In-The-Wall]

I think Fernando lives for the rush of racing. Remember his former teammate Jenson Button said Indy terrified him. It ain't for all racers

[@f1champ551]

All I hope is Wickens doesn't get paralysis from this... #PrayForWickens

[@f1champ551]

That crash was evil... Good lord...

[@kennethjeffriesjr2334]

Being that he is young thought is the upside that he will recover and come back next season .

[@f1champ551]

Kenneth Jeffries JR I hope so m8...

[@f1champ551]

Kenneth Jeffries JR the last time I saw a crash similar to Wickens was either Weldon or the first one I saw was Kronsoff.

[@DavidRSAT]

Yeah. That injury to his spine is the scariest thing.

[@flavoredsnacks9979]

As a massive Wickens fan and a newer motorsports fan (really got into motorsports in 2013-14), this was the first time I felt genuine fear about a crash. I hope Robbie the best in his recovery and his next season and future endeavors. #GetWellWickens

[@paulj.ingram2839]

Every week, NASCAR fans are expecting The Big One in some form. Quite often there is actually deliberate contact. Big, spectacular, but nobody gets hurt. When they see what can happen in IndyCar as a result of contact, their knee jerk reaction is to say IndyCar should be banned from ovals. They can’t stand the fact that their heroes are far from the bravest in motorsports.

[@Jwal98]

Paul J. Ingram fuck off

[@Jwal98]

The REAL Nascar fans don’t want to see the big one every week

[@DavidLauback]

I'm a NASCAR fan and I don't expect "The Big One" when I sit down to watch a race. I can't speak for all NASCAR fans, but none of the ones I know expect or hope for big crashes.

[@smileygladhands]

Bravest? Or dumbest?

[@paulj.ingram2839]

Undertow 82 You make my point. Thanks

[@brysonbreedlove2133]

Been waiting all day for this video and you certainly delivered! Something that you didn't touch on however, was the stability and incredible strength of the tub (safety cell). If this crash had happened only 3-5 years ago, we would be having a very different Monday. #GetWellWickens

[@CiggyBrick]

Hey David you could you please do a video on your predictions on the 2019 driver line up for indycar

[@aiwash2766]

To people saying indycar should not run in these high speed ovals I say, It’s part of the job, these drivers accept the fact that they could go to the hospital because they could injury themselves, their families accept that, we get these type of crashes once every 2 years and people overreact, everything has been done to prevent these type of crashes but some stuff is going to happen no matter what so chill and just hope that the next time this happens, because it will happen, the driver gets out ok

[@hyper2high]

Noe Hernandez yeah the ovals are risky but they are exciting. Indycars are mighty strong and getting stronger,. They dont want to ever get to vanilla like that boring f1

[@robminmonaca]

the sport was built around ovals in the early to mid 20th century. I’m not in the belief of what Tony George originally had in creating the IRL and running only ovals but IMS in the biggest and most famous oval track of all time with the most famous race in the world. So if they stop running at ovals then they need to stop having the Indy 500. INDYCAR is so under rated. Tony George was the reason why INDYCAR is still small today. He let NASCAR huge because of his split with CART.

[@tomcatm16]

I hope we get to see Robert Wickens back on the track. My prayers go to him for a speedy and complete recovery to continue competing in future Indycar races. Another thing that bothers me from this wreck is... The safety of the open cockpits need to be looked at going forward. I also agree with your point later in the video about improving the safety of restarts. #safeandcompetitiveracing #getwellWickens

[@DarthEvilicus]

Did anyone else notice how Wickens' car took out RHR's head camera pod? A few inches lower and RHR would have been dead for sure. As much as I initially hated the F1 halo, it does have a good purpose and I really think Indycar needs a similar device. This could have been a very very bad day for more than just Wickens

[@tomcatm16]

I would like to point out that this is something that really bothers me in Indycar speedway racing. Even if the cockpits become closed like a sort of close top Funny Car with the wheels still open I will still enjoy the sport if it's competitive and has some nuances to the way cars are made more efficient.

[@poozerman]

I remember being at the Kansas race when almirola got hurt. It's definitely a feeling as a fan I didn't like. Regardless of who you are a fan of it makes you realize how dangerous racing is

[@ocram7500]

i'm from the netherlands, always watch live (indy, nascar etc. etc ) seen very bad crashes like dan weldon, but this one was a vicious one, i'm glad was that his car was horizontal when he hit that fence. Am happy that he survived ;) But the first 5 rounds or so no passing is my thinking, wait till tyres are good and in working condition.... thx for the update ;)

[@hannesgroesslinger]

Simple pieces of sheet metal would be a cheap alternative to the chain link fences, at least at sections of the track where there are no grandstands behind it. They could reuse the old poles and just mount sheet metal pieces to it. The cars would grind along the sheet metal, instead of getting tangled up in the wire net. It's not a perfect solution, but something that could be applied quick and cost effective. You could even paint some sponsor logos on the sheets in order to pay for it. Of course this won't work in front of the grandstands. But especially at Pocono you could improve safety on about 3/4 of the track with that easy fix.

[@josephharper9506]

When I saw hunter reays onboard and wickens car flew over his head my heart almost stopped, get well soon Robert

[@shackletainment]

Raising the walls is the right solution, but he SAFER barrier is surprisingly expensive, that is why it's taken so long for tracks to install the barrier around the entire track. The SAFER barrier came around in the early 2000s. It wasn't until Kyle Busch's crash at Daytona in 2015 that tracks start expanding the soft wall beyond the corners. Sadly, the ISC and SMI tracks will fight it because of cost, as they have in the past..hopefully we do not need to see a worse crash for them to get around that. Hope Wickens makes a full recovery. Indy Car is better with him in it.

[@welshdragon99]

It was very close to being a serious injury to RHR too: I'm wondering if the aeroscreen would have helped

[@mojorider8067]

i wonder if putting flaps underneath the cars that deploy when a designated force of impact has occured would help keep the cars on the ground? i know it isnt perfect and even sounds crazy but would it be worth a shot to consider it? in this instance, when rb and rhr made inital contact, if the flaps had deployed under the car when the nose became airborne, would it have generated enough drag to decelerate and lower the nose back to the ground?

[@Happymars24]

The Washington Post has him spinning off the fence playing on repeat on their page, classy. It's crazy, it looks like his head was almost ripped off. :( Indycar racing is the most dangerous of the top motorsports by far.

[@TometzMek]

I feel like we will never see Robert Wickens in an Indycar again 🙁

[@jameswormsley460]

uh oh that's no good

[@awc8938]

.....Robert Wickens in 14 career races has 10 top 10's including 4 podiums. Also in his first race he won pole position. Robert Wickens I hope comes back, but if he doesn't who knows what he could of done in his Indycar career. .....Let me put it this way everyone says how great Josef Newgarden is now. Well it took Josef Newgarden almost 4 years to finally win a race. Josef was a rookie in 2012, but didn't win a race until 2015. Now in 2018 so far he has 10 career wins with 1 championship. Looking at Robert Wickens career so far how much better is/was Robert Wickens than Josef Newgarden?

[@seamusgriffey8738]

Tomek Yapoo As long as there is no long term damage to his spinal chord I think he'll be back. I had a similar thoracic fracture and my left leg was partially paralyzed. It took a while to get back to normal but I did it and if Wickens is facing the same or he'll do it too.

[@Duval-In-The-Wall]

Hinch and Sebastian Bourdais made full recoveries. Granted this is a tougher case, but we have hope nonetheless

[@goldcowl52]

Your feeling was right, unfortunately

[@bbcoltrane]

Big racing fan. Follow IndyCar, F1, was actually at VIR yesterday for the IMSA race. Acknowledge racing is dangerous, but open wheel cars on high speed ovals is just foolhardy. I know it's sacrilege, but I would not miss the ovals one minute for more road racing in the Indycar series.

[@dragonblazer96]

I've wondered about some sort of plexi glass/bullet proof glass type of thing to be in front of the fence on the lower half of the fencing. But I wonder if glare would be an issue, or if rubber and dust would stick to it and obstruct vision

[@epiphonium]

I have to do some review of replays. The start looked very bad and maybe should have been restarted. Wasn't there a big change of speed from the pole car? And how bad does it look for team mates to take each other out, and a few more, with only 180 some laps to go.

[@christophermarnell135]

On the top of catch fences they lean inward toward the track, why not do this with the SAFER barrier aswell to prevent cars from being able to go up onto the fence when they ride the wall?

[@austinblansett9900]

Prayers going his way. Indy car drivers, Heck all of the drivers in Motorsports are fearless.

[@DrDiff952]

Taller walls / SAFER Barriers will help but what about tilting them so that a car is deflected down?

[@OfficerNASCAR48]

2 days after meeting you. But all my thoughts and prays go to Robert Wickens