INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Rinus VeeKay changed his fortunes with one late, daring Indianapolis 500 qualifying run Saturday.
It could change the trajectory of his entire season.
The 23-year-old Dutch driver overcame an early crash that forced crew members to scramble to repair the No. 21 Chevrolet and then jumped from 29th to 11th on the second-to-last run of the day to make his fifth straight pole shootout with a four-lap average of 232.419 mph. He bumped Colton Herta out of the 12th and final spot in the shootout as his mother prayed while watching.
“Wow, wow, just incredible,” VeeKay said after his fourth and final qualifying attempt of the day. “Wow! What a job. I’ll be driving tomorrow.”
For most of Saturday, it appeared VeeKay’s four-year run of making the shootout was over.
His car wiggled going through the third turn on his first qualifying run, then spun up the track into the wall coming out of the turn, skidded between the third and fourth turns and hit the Turn 4 wall before coming to rest in the front straightaway. He limped to the medical truck but was checked, released and cleared to drive at the infield medical center.
Gaza: US, international volunteer doctors trapped in hospital by Israeli assault
Summer Vacation Campaign of Caring for Children Launched
Jiang to bear China's flag at Hangzhou Asian Para Games closing ceremony
ACWF Launches Women Volunteers' Action
Jaime Torres wins the Preakness with Seize the Grey 2 years after starting to ride horses
ACWF Mobilizes Women to Contribute to Battle Against Poverty
ACWF Launches Women Volunteers' Action
ACWF President Stresses Greater Efforts in Lifting All Impoverished Women out of Poverty
Israeli airstrikes kill 40 in central Gaza refugee camp
ACWF, CMWA Express Regards to Women Medical Workers Fighting Against NCP
Sharon Stone, 66, wants her 'acting career back' more than 20 years after suffering stroke
Social media could be BANNED for under