VeeKay runs up to sixth before pitlane crash ends day early

Rinus VeeKay’s Indianapolis 500 lasted just 81 laps, but Lord, it was an amazing ride.

The young Dutchman had a terrible weekend in qualifying with the No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing Honda that left him starting 31st in the field of 33, but where he started was quickly forgotten.

VeeKay, who’s become one of the best performers at the Indy 500, went on a charge, carving through the pack until he reached sixth by the 80th lap, ahead of Josef Newgarden who started next to him on the last row, but it all unraveled on pit lane.

Pitting on lap 81, VeeKay reported a loss of brakes and spun, tagging the inside of pit wall at mostly unabated speed. Damage was extensive, with the right-rear suspension folded inward. His plus-25 day was over.

“No idea,” VeeKay said of what took him out of the race and left him 30th overall. “I pitted for tires and fuel. I already pitted at speed once and was fine. It really had no bite. I was doing, like, 120mph and I really had no response from the brakes, which at that point, I was just trying to hit the brakes as hard as possible and locked up the left rear, and it came around on me.”