NASCAR crash nearly sends one car over another at dirt track

The NASCAR dirt track race at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee is one of the most unique events on the schedule and led to a strange crash. With the new cars making their debut on the wet dirt track and a storm on the radar, a crash nearly sent one racer over another’s car in a pileup.

As the cars battled for position with their cars sliding through the turn, the 7 car of Corey LaJoie bumped into others and spun backwards on the straightaway. As other cars looked to dodge him, a four-car pileup almost sent Noah Gragson’s 16 car over Kevin Harvick’s 4 car. The other car involved was Alex Bowman in the 48 car, as he collided with those already on the bottom of the track against the wall.

Caution for a pileup. pic.twitter.com/O6kkaZWAgl

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 18, 2022

With weather in the area, the race became official at the halfway point. Whoever holds the lead at the time of a potential weather caution could lead them to be named the winner, although they can choose to restart the race at a later time if the radar shows the rain will clear soon.

NASCAR dirt track race

Sunday’s dirt track race at Bristol is the only one on NASCAR’s schedule this season and comes with many unique changes to the format. Many of the drivers started their careers in smaller models of cars and drove on dirt tracks around the country while developing their skills, making them well qualified to deal with the strange method of sliding in the corners rather than using grip on a high embankment.

The drivers will return to Bristol later this season to race on a more traditional version of the short track and the format will return to the status quo. As one of NASCAR’s most famous tracks, the ability to transform it from one format to the other makes it even more special in its legacy.