This video of the Mike Conway Will Power crash at the 2012 Indy 500 graphically illustrates the dangers facing open cockpit drivers.
Conway's head on the wall, fortunately the car was going backwards, Power's car going underneath Conway's car, Power's wheel prevented from hitting him in the head by the tether. Loose wheel very nearly impacting passing cars (Helio Castro-Nevis' incar shot - close call), further loose wheel just running down the circuit.
The fact that nobody got hurt was way more good luck than good management!
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/sport...dianapolis-500#