Indianapolis, Indiana – IndyCar officials are conducting a thorough review of a crash that occurred during the Indy 500, resulting in a wheel being dislodged from a race car and launched over the fence, narrowly missing the stands outside Turn 2.
Fortunately, the wheel struck a parked car in a small lot with golf carts between the Turn 2 suites and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Southeast Vista. The wheel hit a white Chevrolet Cruze, owned by Robin Matthews.
Reflecting on the incident after the race on Sunday evening, Matthews displayed a lighthearted attitude towards her damaged car, which she affectionately named “Snowball.” She expressed relief that no one was injured when the left rear wheel of Kyle Kirkwood’s car made contact with Felix Rosenqvist’s already spinning car in Turn 2. The impact sent the wheel airborne and caused Kirkwood’s car to flip and slide along the outside wall.
Recalling the moment, Matthews stated, “We saw the tire go over because I was in Turn 2, and they said a tire went over. Somebody said that it hit one of the golf carts. Well, I was parked by a golf cart. I looked, and I saw the back of my car, and I’m like, ‘Okay,’ I didn’t think anything. Then, somebody from another suite was like, ‘Robin, it was your car.'”
Matthews, who was working in a Turn 2 suite at the time, experienced a sudden rush of emotions upon realizing her car was involved. “Immediately, my stomach dropped, and I was shaking, just anxious and nervous, just scared, thankful that nobody got hurt,” she expressed.
In response to the incident, IndyCar issued a statement on Monday afternoon emphasizing its commitment to safety. The statement read, “INDYCAR takes the safety of the drivers and fans very seriously. We are pleased and thankful that no one was hurt.”
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As a series renowned for its innovative approach, IndyCar has mandated the use of a wheel-suspension tether for the past 24 years. This tether, made from high-performance Zylon material, is capable of withstanding forces exceeding 22,000 pounds. IndyCar was the first sanctioning body in the United States to require the use of these tethers.
IndyCar has taken possession of the tire involved in the incident and confirmed that the tether did not fail. The series considers this to be an isolated incident and is reviewing the circumstances to ensure its prevention in the future.
Following the race, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles invited Matthews to the iconic yard of bricks. She kissed the bricks and took some photos to commemorate the experience. Matthews’ car, “Snowball,” was towed away, displaying significant damage to the left front and leaking fluids. Boles provided a car for Matthews to drive home.
Here’s where that flying tire impacted in turn 2
@IMS #indy500 pic.twitter.com/MLexGcUu5q— Andrew Kossack (@AndrewKossack) May 28, 2023
While overwhelmed by the attention she has received since the incident, Matthews stated that she is not seeking compensation. She simply needs a car that can reliably get her to work. Despite the ordeal, her love for the Indy 500 has only grown, as she affirmed, “I’ll be back next year.”
However, it appears that “Snowball” will not make a return to the race.
