MSR scrambles to repair Rosenqvist car after Phoenix crash

Meyer Shank Racing’s weekend got off to a rough start when Felix Rosenqvist found the wall at the halfway point of Friday’s one-hour practice session at the Phoenix Raceway oval.

The rear of Rosenqvist’s No. 60 Honda began to slide while charging through the rapid Turn 1-2 complex, which came as a surprise to the Swede as the car appeared to be stable prior to the unanticipated loss of grip.

“I just lost it on exit of Turn 2,” Rosenqvist said. “Got a little loose in the middle, kind of recovered it, and then it snapped again and I just couldn't catch it. So yeah, super bummed. Very early in the practice, also still kind of getting up to speed. Just a tough one. Big, big hit. So I hope we can get it together. See what we can do from here.”

The left side of Rosenqvist’s car took the brunt of the heavy impact which damaged the nose, rear wing, and suspension along with bodywork. Extra time was required to remove the car as fluids poured from the stricken machine which led the AMR Safety Team to wrap the underside of the No. 60 Honda in a containment tarp to prevent leaking while the car was towed to the garage.

The MSR team told RACER it will repair the damaged car ahead of qualifying, which takes places at 12:05pm local and gives the team approximately three hours to complete their work. Rosenqvist’s 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 Honda engine is expected to stay in the car.