[UPDATED] Ferrucci released from hospital after Indy 500 practice crash

Santino Ferrucci shot to second on the leaderboard with less than two hours remaining on the third day of practice for the Indianapolis 500, but then found the wall moments later.

The driver of the No. 45 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda was running in a group with several cars and pushed a quick lap of 224.922 mph. However, just two laps later he entered Turn 2 when the rear appeared to snap around and he backed into the SAFER Barrier on exit before coasting to a stop in the middle of the track.

The car sustained heavy damage, especially to the left rear.

https://twitter.com/IndyCar/status/1395482600823791620

While Ferrucci, who finished fourth in last year’s Indy 500, was able to get out of the car, he appeared to have problems putting weight down on his left leg and was transported to the Infield Care Center, and then on to IU Methodist for further evaluation. He was released later on Thursday evening, but has not yet been cleared to drive.

“He just has a minor injury on his left leg,” Billows told NBC Sports reporter Dillon Welch during practice coverage on Peacock. “We’re just sending him downtown for some advanced imaging. He’s able to bear weight. He’s conscious and alert. No really significant injuries.”

This story has been updated since publication to include Ferrucci's discharge from hospital.