Mechanic scythed down by out-of-control car

An IndyCar mechanic was sent somersaulting through the air by an out-of-control car during the Grand Prix of Louisiana but somehow escaped serious injury.

Driver Francesco Dracone lost control as he entered a sodden pit lane on Sunday while chief mechanic Todd Phillips positioned himself to change one of the front tyres.

Footage of the mishap shows the crew member try to jump out of the way when he is hit by the back wing of the out-of-control car, sending him flying into the air.

He completes a full flip before hitting the ground as crew members rush to his aid.

Incredibly, the mechanic took to Twitter to reveal that he only suffered a cut to his lower right leg that required six stitches.

"I guess the cat is out of the bag. I can't tell you how lucky I am to walk away with only 6 stitches!" Phillips posted.

Dracone was critical of IndyCar officials for allowing the race to continue despite the treacherous conditions, Tweeting that Formula One would not have gone ahead on the wet track.

@HRHdavemiles i m sure u have not seen the circuit. F1 will not permit to race in this condition pic.twitter.com/0ttBOa2IH3

— francesco dracone (@effediracing) April 13, 2015