Photo Shoot Nearly Causes Crash During Indy 500 Practice

Scott McLaughlin, left, of New Zealand, and Colton Herta walk out of the pit area during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Michael Conroy/AP Photo/

INDIANAPOLIS—A photo opportunity for Rahal Letterman Lanigan caused the first hiccup in preparations for the Indianapolis 500 when Colton Herta and Scott McLaughlin nearly crashed Thursday trying to avoid the on-track stunt.

The track opened as scheduled for practice and defending race winner Takuma Sato slowed alongside Indy 500 teammates Graham Rahal and Santino Ferrucci for a three-wide photo opportunity on Indy’s frontstretch.