Luyendyk on IndyCar dangers: 'You have to put everything out of your mind'

12 February 2023 at 13:40

Last update 12 February 2023 at 15:02

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Motor racing has become increasingly safe in recent decades, but accidents can still happen. Particularly the lightning-fast 'oval racing' in the IndyCar series remains notorious. Arie Luyendyk explains how he dealt with the dangers of this racing class.

Max Verstappen previously opened up about the IndyCar series. The F1 world champion does not expect to ever achieve the 'triple crown' (winning the Monaco Grand Prix, 24 Hours of Le Mans and Indy 500). Why? Because he thinks the Indy 500, an oval track race, is too risky. The Dutchman does not want to risk his life.

'You have to be able to put everything out of your mind'

Arie Luyendyk, twice winner of the Indy 500 (1990, 1997), tells in the Prime Video documentary Veekay, about IndyCar driver Rinus van Kalmthout, how he viewed the dangers of oval racing in the IndyCar series: "You have to be able to have the strength to really put everything out of your mind, to focus only on what you are doing."

That said, the former IndyCar driver did not always experience a completely carefree feeling. He says he was able to put his worries away the moment he got into his car, but in the run-up to the race he was aware of the dangers: "In the morning, when I was in the shower before going to the track, I did think 'well, if things go wrong this could be my last day'."