SPORTS

Canada's James Hinchcliffe hurt in fiery crash at Indy 500 practice

Jim Johnson The Associated Press
Published Monday, May 18, 2015 2:16PM EDT

James Hinchcliffe, of Canada, hits the wall in the third turn during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Monday, May 18, 2015. (Jimmy Dawson/The Indianapolis Star via AP)

Text:

INDIANAPOLIS -- IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe was taken to a hospital after crashing his car into the wall Monday -- the fourth frightening wreck at practice for the Indianapolis 500.

The Canadian driver slammed into the wall going into turn three at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. His car briefly slid on its right side before coming came to rest upright.

There was no immediate word on his condition.

Helio Castroneves and Josef Newgarden went airborne in crashes last week that raised concerns about the safety of the new oval aero kits. And on Sunday, Ed Carpenter flipped his car on its side in practice leading up to Indy 500 qualifying before IndyCar officials announced changes to reduce power and speeds.

The 99th running of the showcase race on the IndyCar schedule is Sunday.