INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Reigning world champion Casey Stoner crashed hard in qualifications Saturday at Indianapolis and was taken away on a stretcher.
The Australian’s motorcycle wobbled as it came through one of the turns on the 2.621-mile road course. Stoner went airborne over the handlebars and across the track.
He was checked at the infield medical center after injuring his left ankle.
Last year, Stoner won the Indianapolis race after claiming the pole and was the favorite to take his second straight pole at Indy on Saturday.
He had posted the fastest lap early in qualifications, 1:39.465, but is third behind teammate Dani Pedrosa and American Ben Spies.
Stoner has won three straight races in the U.S.
