Indianapolis 500: Sebastian Saavedra remains in Indianapolis 500 field despite late Bump Day crash

AP Photo/Tom Strattman Indy 500 rookie Sebastian Saavedra made his way into the race despite crashing during practice on Sunday.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Sebastian Saavedra of Colombia was taken to a hospital for X-rays on his back after crashing during Sunday's qualifying session for the Indianapolis 500.

Saavedra, a rookie, spun coming out of the first turn and slammed into the wall before skidding to a stop between the first and second turns. He was released from the infield medical center but later returned.

Saavedra was the slowest of the 33 qualifiers at 223.634 mph and would have been the next car bumped from the starting grid. He did not have a backup car and it was unlikely he would be able to make another qualifying run in the final hour.

But late in Bump Day, with pressure mounting, Paul Tracy and Jay Howard pulled their earlier qualifying times and went back out on the track to improve their standing. The move backfired for both drivers, knocking them out of the race and assuring Saavedra remained in the field.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. 

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