Indy 500 Rookie Injured in Crash

Steve Barclay, who had hoped to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 for the first time, suffered a concussion, a broken right arm and broken ribs when he crashed during a rookie orientation run Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Barclay, 45, of Orange, was unconscious after his 1989 Lola-Buick crashed into the outside wall on Turn 2 at the 2 1/2-mile oval. After being cut from the wreckage, he was flown by helicopter to Methodist Hospital, where he was listed in serious condition.

Barclay, who drives for the Menards Racing Team, ran in the American Racing Series last season. He has raced since 1985.

The crash occurred just after Barclay had passed Eddie Cheevers. Cheevers was the first to reach Barclay after the crash and found Barclay’s head pinned between the track and the car, which was resting on its side. Cheevers lifted the car, freeing Barclay’s head.