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Alexander Rossi Cleared to Race This Sunday – Paddock Buzz
Highlights
- Alexander Rossi cleared to race after Monday’s practice crash
- Rossi ready despite foot injury, passed simulator medical tests
- Pato O’Ward starts sixth using his backup victory car
- Josef Newgarden and Kyle Kirkwood start 23rd and 25th
- Astronaut Jeremy Hansen to attend Indy 500 events this weekend
- 110th Indianapolis 500 scheduled for Sunday, 10 a.m. ET start
Alexander Rossi is cleared to race in Sunday’s 110th Indianapolis 500 after his heavy Turn 2 crash in Monday practice, returning to the Speedway for Media Day on Thursday.
He sustained minor injuries to his left finger and right ankle, underwent outpatient procedures, and reports minimal pain with good range of motion after an outpatient surgery update earlier this week.
Rossi will still use crutches for a non‑weight‑bearing injury, but cockpit inputs don’t load his right foot. “I’m good to go,” he said of the No. 20 Java House Chevrolet.
Cleared to race four days after a Turn 2 impact, Rossi says: “I’m good to go.”
Clearance followed simulator‑based medical testing focused on rapid right‑foot reactions while fully suited. ECR also prepared a backup chassis, the car Rossi campaigned at last year’s Indy 500.
That car carried him from 12th to the lead for 14 laps before a pit‑stop fire on Lap 73. His winter‑built primary chassis was sidelined by Monday’s crash.
ECR rolls out last year’s Indianapolis 500 chassis as Rossi’s backup.
Pato O’Ward also switches to a backup, the car he used for wins at Iowa and Toronto last season. Starting sixth, he trusts its baseline and his Indy 500 form.
His record includes runner‑up finishes in 2022 and 2024 and third place last year.
Two‑time winner Josef Newgarden starts 23rd, targeting early progress after running sixth last year before a fuel issue halted his race. Kyle Kirkwood starts 25th and expects to climb.
Media Day took a softer tone, with drivers on couches rather than podiums. Rossi joked he’s spent time on couches lately and rated the setup eight out of ten.
The 110th Indianapolis 500 starts Sunday at 10 a.m. ET.
Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, fresh from NASA’s Artemis II mission, joins the weekend at Carb Day and the 500 Festival Parade, adding wider interest beyond the motorsport audience.
With all drivers cleared and contingency cars readied, traffic management and pit execution will shape gains from deep on the grid. Form trends sit in the paddock buzz.
Qualifying emphasis on repeatable speed during Super Sunday underlines the premium on slipstream efficiency and disciplined strategy for those outside the top ten.
Rossi’s prospects hinge on clean stops and swift adaptation to the backup’s traits, but medical clearance removes the biggest variable heading into race day.
Visual Summary
Rossi Rises Again
Cleared to race Indy 500 after dramatic crash & surgery.
No boot. No bandages. Just guts.
No boot. No bandages. Just guts.
JAVA
O’WARD
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From crash & surgery → ready to race in 3 days!
110th
Indy 500
4
Contenders in Recovery
Rossi, O’Ward, Newgarden, Kirkwood
Rossi, O’Ward, Newgarden, Kirkwood
6th
O’Ward Grid Slot
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Space meets Speedway: Jeremy Hansen
Fresh from Artemis II, joins the Indy crowd ?
Fresh from Artemis II, joins the Indy crowd ?
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Sunday, 10 a.m. ET
Engines will roar at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rossi’s comeback. O’Ward’s charge. New heroes?
Rossi’s comeback. O’Ward’s charge. New heroes?
Brian Thompson focuses on IndyCar Series news, from qualifying speeds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to street-course race strategy. He delivers concise feature stories and technical breakdowns on chassis setups, tire choices, and championship standings for open-wheel enthusiasts.
