The Nationwide race at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday ended with a multi-car wreck and parts of Kyle Larson’s car flying into the grandstands.
Larson’s 32 car collided with multiple other cars and airborne, catching the fence at the speedway and sending debris everywhere. The front half of Larson’s car was completely gone after the wreck. His engine, tires and multiple other large car parts were scattered in the stands and on the track.
Emergency personnel attended to fans in the stands. Late Saturday night a total of 28 people were reportedly injured. Speedway president Joe Chitwood said 14 spectators were treated on site while 14 others were taken to local hospitals.
Two of the injuries were serious. A 14-year-old was listed in critical condition and an adult was undergoing surgery for a life-threatening head injury.
Nascar President Mike Helton commended the emergency crews and track officials that were attending to fans and said some fans were taken to a local hospital.
“Right now, the function is to determine what damage was done,” said Helton.
“They are taking some folks to Halifax Medical Center.. Our prayers and thoughts are with everyone they are working on.”
Larson was not injured in the wreck and said after he couldn’t control his car once it was hit and after the impact said he “felt like I was on the ground.”
Immediately following the race driver Kyle Busch tweeted, “Unbelievable wreck! Saying prayers for everyone involved, especially the fans who love and support our sport that were closest to the crash.”
Tony Stewart, who won Saturday’s race, wasn’t focused on his win in his post-game interview.
“The important thing is what’s 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.
