IndyCar driver David Malukas was ruled out of Saturday's qualifying session at Nashville Superspeedway after suffering a heavy crash during practice, adding a dramatic start to what was set to be a big weekend for the series. Malukas, competing in his first season with Team Penske's No. 12 Chevrolet, lost control of the car mid-corner and struck the SAFER barrier rear-first, ending his session immediately.

The impact destroyed the rear of Malukas's car, and he was subsequently taken to hospital for evaluation as a precaution. Team officials reported he was "awake, alert, and in good spirits" following the crash. The Nashville Superspeedway race takes place on Sunday, with the event benefiting from increased attention off the back of the FIFA World Cup final.