IndyCar driver James Davison waited months for the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 to arrive. Just a few laps after it started, Davison’s runs in the Indy 500 was over after his front right tire caught fire and exploded.
The Indy 500, which was originally scheduled to run on May 24, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, The Greatest Spectacle in Racing returned to Indianapolis Motor Speedway and it all started with a bang.
Coming through the turn, Davison’s inner tire started to burst into flames and things quickly escalated further. As the entire tire started to turn into a rolling ball of fire. As the announcers pointed out, it seemed to start with the right-front brakes and the magnesium wheel became the accelerant.
The wheel center eventually exploded and the fire started to spread even more. Fortunately, Davison was able to bring the car to a stop and safety crews responded as he got out of the car. The fire was put out and the 33-year-old was transported to the infield care center.
It’s an unfortunate result for the veteran driver who was racing in his sixth Indianapolis 500. Fortunately, he made it out with only frustrations at the unfortunate outcome and avoided a serious injury.