Verizon IndyCar Series driver Josef Newgarden was checked at the IU Health Emergency Medical Center and cleared to drive after his No. 21 Century 21 CFH Racing Chevrolet made heavy contact with the Turn 1 SAFER Barrier and flipped on its top with 40 minutes left in practice for the Indianapolis 500.

Newgarden, who in mid-April won the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama for his first Verizon IndyCar Series victory, had just turned a lap of 204.928 mph on the 2.5-mile oval as drivers geared up for their final stints during "Happy Hour" at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He totaled 56 laps for the day.

“Not where we wanted to be with the Century 21 car," he said. "I got around pretty quick in Turn 1. It definitely surprised me. I knew it happened when it did, so I’m just lucky that everything’s good. The Dallara tub held up well. I just want to get back to my guys and see what the damage is. I’m sure it’s bad, but we’ll see what we can do going forward."

It was the third single-car incident of the month in practice. On May 13, Helio Castroneves' car made hard contact with the Turn 1 SAFER Barrier and later in the session Pippa Mann's car made contact with the inside pit lane retaining wall and pit lane attenuator.

"I hit my hand a little bit and I think I have a bruise, but other than that I’m fine," Newgarden said. "I think Dallara and INDYCAR do a great job and so does everyone else involved to make the safest race cars possible. I feel safe in them. We’re always looking for more, but they’re as safe as we can make them right now.” 

Newgarden has a best lap of 225.652 mph on May 13 and has recorded 287 total laps.

The boost level will be increased from 130 kPa to 140 kPa for “Fast Friday” practice May 15 and qualifications May 16-17. The change in pressure adds about 40 horsepower to the Chevrolet and Honda 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engines. The boost level will return to 130 kPa for final practice on Coors Light Carb Day on May 22 and the 500 Mile Race.