Alexander Rossi is pushing to stay on track for one of motorsport's biggest events after a frightening crash during Indianapolis 500 practice this week.

The 34-year-old IndyCar driver, who races the No. 20 Chevrolet for Ed Carpenter Racing, was sent to the hospital on Monday, May 18, after an on-track incident during practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

According to his team, Rossi suffered minor injuries to his right ankle and a finger on his left hand. In a statement shared on Instagram, Ed Carpenter Racing confirmed that Rossi "underwent successful outpatient procedures" to treat the injuries.

According to People, the team added that he is "in good spirits" and did not suffer any additional injuries beyond the ones already reported.

The crash raised concerns in the IndyCar paddock given how close the sport is to race day, but the update quickly brought reassurance that Rossi's condition is stable. The team said he will continue being evaluated in the days leading up to the race weekend.

Alexander Rossi May Still Race Indy 500

Rossi's focus remains firmly on returning to the cockpit. Ed Carpenter Racing said there is still an "intent of participating in final practice on Friday, May 22, and the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24." He is also expected to have a backup car ready if needed.

The timing is critical. Rossi had qualified in a strong position and was set to start in the middle of the front row for the Indy 500, one of the most famous races in the world. The event spans 200 laps around the 2.5-mile oval track, with drivers reaching speeds above 240 mph, Yahoo reported.

For Rossi, the determination to return reflects how quickly priorities shift in racing. One moment, drivers are preparing for a career-defining race; the next, they are dealing with injuries and recovery just days before the green flag drops.

Despite the setback, the mood inside his team remains optimistic. Officials emphasized that Rossi has no major injuries and that his recovery is progressing well. That has kept hopes alive that he could still line up on Sunday alongside the sport's top drivers.

The Indianapolis 500, first held in 1911, is often described as a race where winners earn a place in motorsport history.