A Daytona crash in the NASCAR Nationwide series race today overshadowed the race. The Daytona crash was so serious that a flaming car engine was in the spectator side of the catch-fence. Yes, the flaming engine of Ryan Larson’s car and an entire wheel ended up in the spectator side.
The debris spread into the upper deck. Emergency crews treated fans on both levels.
More than 33 fans were injured. Fourteen were taken to area hospitals. Two people are in critical condition, according to the News-JournalOnline.com
It’s amazing that the drivers just got out of their cars like nothing happened. Especially Kyle Larson, given his car was totaled. Unbelievable! This Daytona crash will go down in NASCAR history. The DRIVE4COPD 300 was won by Tony Stewart.
The massive pile-up occurred right as the green flag was coming up. Regan Smith was leading coming to the checkered flag when he was turned sideways into the wall. Cars began wrecking all over the track, and Larson’s car went sailing into the fence. Winner Tony Stewart handled himself professionally and with priorities. He didn’t over-celebrate, rightfully his primary concern was the safety and well being of the other drivers and spectators in stands. “As much as we want to celebrate…I’m more worried about the drivers and fans in the stands right now,” Stewart said.
We’ve heard so much about the safety of the new Gen-6 cars, but this doesn’t affirm that reputation.
Stewart slid through the wreckage to the win.When Larson’s car came to a stop, it was missing its entire front end. The 20-year-old, who made his Daytona debut this week, said he first thought of the fans.
“I hope all the fans are OK and all the drivers are all right,” Larson said. “I took a couple big hits there and saw my engine was gone. Just hope everybody’s all right.”
“The important thing is what going on on the frontstretch right now,” said Stewart, the three-time NASCAR champion. “We’ve always known, and since racing started, this is a dangerous sport. But it’s hard. We assume that risk, but it’s hard when the fans get caught up in it.
“So as much as we want to celebrate right now and as much as this is a big deal to us, I’m more worried about the drivers and the fans that are in the stands right now because that was … I could see it all in my mirror, and it didn’t look good from where I was at.”
The accident spread into the upper deck and emergency crews treated fans on both levels. There were five stretchers that appeared to be carrying fans out, and a helicopter flew overhead. A forklift was used to pluck Larson’s engine out of the fence, and there appeared to be a tire in the stands.
Here’s a photo of the Daytona crash that everyone will be talking about:
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