As a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2017 and 2020, Takuma Sato is one of the most experienced drivers at IMS. This year, the Japanese driver is aiming to make his 16th start in the crown jewel event, again driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
He showed impressive speed in both days of the open test, placing third overall on Wednesday and second overall on Thursday. He also posted the single fastest no-tow speed in the boosted session at 232.565mph.
Unfortunately, that hot rod must now undergo some serious repairs after Sato spun out and slammed the wall within the first 90 minutes of practice. The car sustained significant damage to the left side and rear of the No. 75 Honda. He climbed out of the car gingerly but was able to walk away.
Sato was later checked and released from the infield care center, later posting a message of thanks on social media while revealing the severity of the impact: "Huge thanks to IndyCar, Dallara, and IMS for creating such a safe environment. Lost the rear at 233mph (375km/h). The data recorded a 94G impact. Just minor bruises and I’m OK. Really grateful to my crew, sorry for the extra work. We’ll come back stronger for the Indy 500."
Huge thanks to @IndyCar, @DallaraGroup, and @IMS for creating such a safe environment. Lost the rear at 233mph (375km/h). The data recorded a 94G impact. Just minor bruises and I’m OK. Really grateful to my crew, sorry for the extra work. We’ll come back stronger for the #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/QMJyZLGjOz
— Takuma Sato (@TakumaSatoRacer) April 24, 2025
Kyle Larson was the only other driver to crash during Thursday's session, but his impact was far less severe than Sato's. Scott McLaughlin ended up with the fastest speed of all drivers throughout the entire test, reaching 232.686mph.
The 48-year-old Sato is one of seven former Indy 500 winners entered in this year's event with the others being Josef Newgarden, Marcus Ericsson, Helio Castroneves, Will Power, Alexander Rossi, and Ryan Hunter-Reay.
