One of the most common questions racing drivers face is “What happens if you have to use the bathroom when you’re driving?”
And the most common answer is “You just go.” While admittedly a little disgusting, it is nonetheless a problem that occasionally surfaces, and an innumerable amount of drivers have done so in their careers.
However, Schmidt Peterson Motorsports’ James Hinchcliffe apparently had never found himself in such a predicament in his career. That is, until Sunday in the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama.
While under the first red flag for rain, Hinchcliffe started to receive “nature’s call.” Unable to get out of the car to use a restroom - drivers had not been permitted to get out of their cars - Hinchcliffe was forced to wait and hold it.
But when the cars briefly took to the track again prior to a second red flag, it became too much to handle, and Hinch was forced to “relieve himself” while circulating under caution.
“I always maintained that I knew at some point in my career it would happen,” he quipped to NBCSN’s Kevin Lee.”
He added, “I was sitting there under that first red (flag), just begging to get three minutes. That’s all you need, (steering wheel off to wheel on). And when we got going again, my legs were shaking, I had to go so bad. I’m like ‘I can’t drive a race car like this.’ So under caution, it took me a full lap, it was one of the least comfortable experiences of my entire life, but I can officially say I’ve joined the likes of Will Power, Dario Franchitti, and other greats that have peed themselves in their suit.”
Social media reaction added to the moment’s hilarity, with SPM and teammate Robert Wickens weighing in.
Someone’s got to use the little boys room. (We won’t name names.) Hopefully we can get going again soon! 😬#HIGPA #INDYCAR
— Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team (@ArrowMcLaren) April 22, 2018
Side note! @Hinchtown PEED HIMSELF #HIGPA
— Robert Wickens (@robertwickens) April 22, 2018
If Billy Madison taught us anything, it’s that peeing your pants is cool! https://t.co/wBPl92b2Q7
— James Hinchcliffe (@Hinchtown) April 22, 2018
.@Hinchtown a boy becomes a man. Welcome to the club. pic.twitter.com/THlDPzlylv
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) April 22, 2018
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Graham Rahal also chimed in, coming to Hinchcliffe’s defense.
Hey @robertwickens don’t judge. It’s gonna happen to you sooner than later bro. A man has got to do, what a man has GOT to do! Right @Hinchtown?! https://t.co/fPVs83kzTa
— Graham Rahal (@GrahamRahal) April 22, 2018
Hinchcliffe, fully refreshed, will restart the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama in fifth when racing resumes on Monday.