Kiwi IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin has walked away unharmed after he crashed through the fence in a terrifying high-speed accident.
The 32-year-old spun when he dipped a wheel on the grass as he attempted to maximise his entry into turn one in practice at the Grand Prix of Alabama.
The Team Penske driver sailed through the Turn 1 gravel runoff, launched rear-first and slammed the fence above the protective tire barrier.
Commentators suspected he was travelling at more than 200km/h during the crash.
McLaughlin laughed as he explained it in simple terms following the crash.
"I dropped the right rear, spun and I was flying backwards — then I ended up halfway through the fence," he said.
"I'm upset for my team more than anything ... the way it slipped through there (the fence) I'm really hoping it (the car) might be OK.
"I'm just really thankful for the safety and whatnot ... little misjudgement just trying to open the apex, and I knew I was screwed about now (when the car left the track backwards).
"It was just hang on and see how we go. It's not a laughing matter, it's a mistake and I need to be better."
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