Indy 500 pole driver Scott Dixon survives horrific crash – just days after armed robbery

This is the terrifying moment racing driver Scott Dixon crashed his car at Sunday’s 101st Indy 500 race, smashing into a barrier and flipping several times, just a few days after he was robbed at gunpoint.

Dixon walked away with only minor injuries after the smash which occurred Sunday when Jay Howard drifted into the wall on Lap 53 of the iconic race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana.  

Howard slid across the track and into the path of the oncoming Dixon, the impact sending the pole sitter into the air.  

Dixon’s car wavered as it flew through the air before smashing into a barrier, reducing most of the car to debris and creating a small fire.  

Despite the severity of the impact, the cockpit was left intact and Dixon suffering only damage to his ankle.

“Thanx for all the messages. That was a wild ride. Bummed for #campingworld. Now onto the Championship.Congrats @TakumaSatoRacer so happy 4 u,” a fortunate but unfazed Dixon later tweeted.  

New Zealander Dixon began the race in pole position after seven days earlier recording the fastest qualification time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 21 years. He pocketed prize money of $100,000 in the process.  

On the same evening, May 21, at around 10pm, he and three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti were robbed at gunpoint at a Taco Bell fast food restaurant drive-through.

READ MORE: Racing driver Scott Dixon robbed at gunpoint hours after claiming Indy 500 pole

The robbery occurred less than a mile from the Speedway, where the Indy 500 took place, but neither man was harmed and two teenage boys, aged 14 and 15, were later arrested.

The Indy 500 was won by Japanese ex-Formula One driver Takuma Sato.