Ryan Hunter-Reay’s preparations for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 hit a dramatic snag today as his No. 23 Dreyer & Reinbold/Cusick Motorsports Chevrolet suffered a fiery incident during the final Carb Day practice session. The back of the car burst into flames on track, forcing the 2014 Indy 500 winner to make a quick exit and prompting a likely switch to a backup chassis for Sunday’s prestigious race.
The unexpected fire, which occurred as Hunter-Reay returned to pit lane, sent smoke billowing from the engine cover. Speaking after the incident, a concerned Hunter-Reay described feeling a “cold liquid” on his left side, immediately bringing to mind a prior methanol fire he experienced in 2003. While safety crews quickly extinguished the flames, the severity of the incident necessitates a significant effort from the Dreyer & Reinbold team to prepare a different car for the main event.
This latest setback adds to what has been a challenging May for the veteran driver and his team, marked by mechanical issues that have affected various competitors throughout the month. Hunter-Reay himself expressed concern that the fire might be related to a hybrid system issue, referencing a “hybrid meltdown” experienced by his teammate Jack Harvey earlier in the week.
Despite the adversity, Hunter-Reay, known for his grit and determination, remains focused on overcoming these hurdles. The necessity of moving to a backup car will undoubtedly test the team’s adaptability and resilience in the crucial hours leading up to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” This is a true testament to the spirit required to compete at the highest level in motorsports, as Hunter-Reay aims to deliver a stellar performance come race day. All eyes will be on the No. 23 team as they work tirelessly to ensure Hunter-Reay is ready to contend for another Indy 500 victory.