Grosjean apologizes for Barber practice incident

Richard Dole/Lumen
710 shares
By Mark Glendenning | April 26, 2024 6:33 PM ET Next time I'll take my Dale Earnhardt souvenir edition tire tool and beat on his head.

Romain Grosjean said he has apologized to Jack Harvey for nudging the Brit off the road late in Friday’s opening NTT IndyCar practice session at Barber.

The incident started when the Juncos Hollinger Racing driver came upon Harvey as the Brit was getting the No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing Honda up to speed after exiting the pits. Grosjean expressed his irritation a few corners later by hip-checking Harvey off the track, almost snaring the trailing car of Alexander Rossi in the process.

“I went to apologize first thing after the session,” Grosjean said. “It was on me. It was the fourth lap in a row that I got blocked. I did the French move giving that rat bastard the finger with one hand, but I couldn’t turn the wheel with one hand. We actually made contact, which I feel a bit embarrassed about, but it’s the honest truth. Even Alexander Rossi wouldn’t believe me, but it’s the truth.

“I wanted to push him a bit wide, showing I was not happy, but I never wanted to make contact. I just couldn’t turn the wheel. So I went to apologize. Next time I'll take my Dale Earnhardt souvenir edition tire tool and beat on his head.