'It's the worst moment of my life': Kiwi star Scott McLaughlin sobs after unthinkable Indy 500 crash

Scott McLaughlin crashed during the warm-up laps for the Indianapolis 500 and immediately burst into tears.

The Team Penske driver slammed into the wall as he was swerving to warm his tyres before Monday's (AEST) green flag.

New Zealand's McLaughlin, one of the pre-race favourites despite an earlier wreck in practice, climbed from his car, cradled his helmeted head in his hands and appeared to be inconsolable on the infield grass.

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"I really have no idea what happened," a heartbroken McLaughlin said.

"I can't believe we're out of the race. I had so much hope. It's the worst moment of my life."

It was reminiscent of the 1992 Indy 500, when pole-sitter Roberto Guerrero spun out and crashed while trying to warm his tyres during the parade laps.

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And just like McLaughlin, he was unable to take the green flag to start the race.

McLaughlin, who was starting on the inside of the fourth row, was swerving back and forth across the track when his car suddenly kicked left at the end of the front stretch.

It slammed into the inner barrier, destroying his suspension and ending the race he wants to win more than any other.

"I know it's probably dramatic," McLaughlin said after leaving the infield care centre.

"But it's just like - I put so much into the race. Everyone does. And I didn't even get to see the green flag. Just really upset for my team.

"They built me a fantastic car again. I'm really sorry to my sponsors, my fans, my family. I don't know what happened. I can't believe we're out of the race. I had so much hope today. It's the worst moment of my life."

At the same time that McLaughlin was being tended to, smoke and flames began shooting out from under compatriot Scott Dixon's car.

It was not clear what the issue was for the Chip Ganassi Racing driver, who is the 2008 race winner.

Roger Penske, who also owns IndyCar, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500, had been scarce in public since qualifying weekend, when the cars of two-time defending winner Josef Newgarden and Australia's Will Power were found to have an illegally modified part.

Both were penalised and sent to the rear of the 33-car starting grid.

McLaughlin did not have the illegally modified part on the car that he wrecked in the final round of qualifying.

The grandstands were sold out for the first time since 2016 and IndyCar said 350,000 people watched the race.