There was to be no fairy-tale repeat for Dubai’s Ed Jones in the 102nd Indianapolis 500 as the standout rookie from the 2017 edition of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ crashed out of contention at just past one-quarter distance – but he is already vowing to come back “stronger”.
Jones, 23, stole the headlines with a tremendous top-three finish on his debut in the legendary 500-mile showdown this time last year. But following a tricky build-up, he lined up only 29th for Sunday’s second start in the fiercely-contested race after an uncharacteristic error spoiled his four-lap average in qualifying.
The main event itself got under way in sweltering conditions – the hottest Indy 500 in more than eight decades. The 2016 Indy Lights title-holder and 2017 IndyCar ‘Rookie of the Year’ managed to make it until lap 58, when his 720bhp Dallara-Honda single-seater got loose in the dirty air of the cars ahead going through turn two and slammed into the wall.
“It was a frustrating end to our race in the NTT Data car,” reflected former European F3 Open Champion Jones. “We struggled a bit in the first stint, but then made progress and we were looking better after the pit-stop.
“Unfortunately, there were two cars in front of me going two-wide, and the characteristics of the car were understeer – then I got massive oversteer and wasn’t able to catch it. That was obviously hugely disappointing, but my crew was outstanding and we’ll be back and stronger in Detroit.”
