The Indianapolis 500 is one of the most prestigious races in the world, but this year’s event was marred by multiple wrecks and red flags. As the race progressed, it became clear that drivers were being cautious early on, but became more aggressive on restarts after the first crash. This led to more wrecks and a one-lap shootout at the end of the race.

There are different opinions on how to handle these situations. Some believe that if a race is going to end under yellow, it’s safer for the drivers. Others prefer the green/white/checker rule used by NASCAR, while some are fine with overtime. However, teams budget fuel and tires for 500 miles, not more, so going beyond that could be problematic.

Initially, there was a temptation to blame the drivers for being too cautious early and too aggressive late. However, it makes sense for drivers to follow this strategy. After all, you can’t win the race if you don’t finish. If you’re in a position to challenge for the win near the end, you have to make a move, even if it’s risky.

Despite this, the Indy 500 started to resemble recent Daytona 500s, and the final 25 laps seemed to take forever to run. The question is whether there is a way to keep wrecks from ruining the end of races while maintaining competitive integrity and driver safety.

It’s possible that this is one of those things that can’t be perfected. However, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of wrecks. For example, officials could enforce stricter rules on restarts or implement a system that allows drivers to race safely without causing wrecks.

Ultimately, the goal should be to ensure that drivers can compete at their highest level while also prioritizing their safety. The Indianapolis 500 is an iconic event that deserves to be celebrated for its history and tradition. By taking steps to reduce the risk of wrecks, we can ensure that this race remains a highlight of the motorsports calendar for years to come.