Simon Pagenaud went for a wild and scary ride, flipping several times, in a crash during practice Saturday morning at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Pagenaud said on his team radio that he lost his brakes. He was taken to the infield care center, examined and released. Photo courtesy IndyCar.

IndyCar: Pagenaud OK after scary crash in Saturday practice at Mid-Ohio (see VIDEO)

The French driver apparently lost his brakes and went through a series of barrel rolls before his car came to a rest alongside a tire wall.

Author:
Jerry Bonkowski
Publish date:
Jul 1, 2023 1:20 PM EDT

IndyCar driver Simon Pagenaud went for a wild and scary ride during Saturday morning's practice at Mid-Ohio SportsCar Course.

Pagenaud was coming out of Turn 4 when he caught air and flew for probably at least 30-40 feet off the surface, apparently having suffered complete brake failure.

"I had no brakes, I had no brakes, I'm okay," Pagenaud said on his team radio after the car came to an end of a series of barrel rolls and flips into the grass and eventually coming to rest nearly completely upside down against a tire barrier.

Pagenaud was essentially stuck in the car for a few moments as rescue workers tried to upright the car so he could be released from his safety harness and climb from the wreckage.

The French driver climbed out under his own power and walked to a waiting ambulance, waving to the crowd several times to indicate he was okay. He was taken to the Mid-Ohio infield medical center, was examined by a doctor and was ultimately -- and thankfully -- released.

Simon Pagenaud waves to fans as he climbs into a safety vehicle to take a ride to the infield care center after a scary crash during IndyCar practice Saturday morning at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Photo courtesy IndyCar.

Pagenaud will be reevaluated Sunday morning before the race to see if he is given medical clearance to compete in the race for the Meyer Shank Racing team.