In the second stage, the rain picked up, and the ensuing spray created visibility issues. they did not die of the injuries they may have sustained in the ensuing accident, and those who managed to stop their cars but succumbed to a medical condition a little later. Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski were involved in incidents during the race while Ryan Blaney wrecked out of the race with 44 laps to go. Bolded races indicate a NASCAR Major, also known as a Crown Jewel race. He said he expects Elliott to be out at least a month. "All in all," summed up NASCAR Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O'Donnell, "I'd give it a thumbs up with some things to learn.". "Our entire team is absolutely devastated at the loss of Rowdy and Blakley," No. The season started at Daytona International Speedway with the Busch Clash, where it was the first year that the non-points event was run on the track's road course layout instead of the oval. Aric Almirola slammed the wall after a flat tire while Kyle Busch spun while leading with a flat tire. Dale Earnhardts Gruesome Death and How It Changed NASCAR Forever. Praying everyone is ok, I just couldnt stop. In the final 10 lap stage, Almirola held off Matt DiBenedetto to win the Open and advance. The member who took the brunt of the impact was front tire changer Jeremy Geiter, who appeared to jump when the car arrived and bounced off the side, went airborne, and landed hard on the ground. [198], Brad Keselowski was awarded the pole. 5 Chevy Lumina to slam into the back of Bill Elliott's parked No. NASCAR celebrates Black pit crew members ahead of - FOX 5 Atlanta The force jarred the tires loose from the grasp of one member and bounded down pit road. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/eZuJy4strm, "There are sandstorms down in Arizona where I can see better than that" -@Alex_Bowman "You cannot see anything. He would spend weeks recovering in a California hospital. [204], Kyle Larson was awarded the pole where he dominated and won both stages. Aric Almirola got a flat tire and got into the wall before catching fire. As we sit in the tower, our role as officials is to basically keep a safe pit road, one, and, two, make sure we have a level playing field for the competitors, Sawyer said. Chase Elliott would take the lead from Matt DiBenedetto and hold off Christopher Bell for his second win of the season and his seventh road course win, putting him third behind Tony Stewart (8) and Jeff Gordon (9). But with Larson in the first pit stall and Larson's pit crew conducting a 11.8 second pit stop (the second fastest time for the crew in the season), Larson was able to exit pit road with the lead. We'll just leave these here. In the second Duel, there were multicar wrecks on lap 36 and with three laps to go in the race; the latter caution sent the race into an overtime finish. Following a restart with eight laps to go, Ryan Blaney gained the lead and held off Byron and Kyle Larson to win the race, his second win of the season. This is an incredibly difficult time, and during our employee meeting numerous friends of Crews stated that his desire would be to continue with the program and keep racing," Speedway manager Rusty Marcus said. Race started on Sunday, but finished on Monday at around midnight due to rain after 20 laps. I feel awful about what happened on pit road. This article lists drivers who have been fatally injured while competing in or in preparation for (testing, practice, qualifying) races sanctioned by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). "They were such positive, giving and passionate people who could not have been a more perfect match. Kyle Larson was awarded the pole after the scheduled heat races were canceled due to rain, but had to start at the rear after changing engines in practice. Rip to an absolute legend. It was an accident.. Don't miss a story! The 61-year-old owner of a property maintenance company lost control of his car due to a medical event and sustained fatal impact injuries when hitting a wall. (2017). Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott is expected to miss several weeks of competition after undergoing successful surgery for a fractured leg Friday night. It is the first time this year that fans are allowed back in. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. 77 in 2021 after the team leased the original charter for the No. Nascar death on pit road 12, 2017, in Avondale, Arizona. 2021 NASCAR Cup Series - Wikipedia "Honestly, I don't even know what I'm doing!" [205], In the Open, Tyler Reddick was awarded the pole. 7 at, On September 10, 2021, Rick Ware Racing announced that, On October 5, 2021, Rick Ware Racing announced that, On October 18, 2021, Gaunt Brothers Racing announced that, On September 29, 2020, it was announced that the crew chiefing career of, On October 6, 2020, Hendrick Motorsports announced that crew chief. Kyle Larson dominated, leading the most laps and winning both stages. This is Chases ride and his opportunity, Berry said. Mike Rich and the rest of Elliotts pit crew went to work on the lead car. Elton Sawyer, NASCAR vice president of officiating and technical inspection, explained Monday on The Morning Drive on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, why there was a delay in the caution. ug bq Joey Logano won the first stage. We felt it was far enough away from the racing surface and it also was off pit road. The race would restart with Kevin Harvick as the leader. Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Photo by Matt Sullivan/NASCAR via Getty Images, Photo by Alan Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR, Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/NASCAR via Getty Images. -@KyleBusch #NASCAR #BristolDirt. The Hendrick cars thought they were on the outside of the fuel window, but due to an extended caution the cars that pitted were able to make it to stage two. . 9, 20 ejected at Watkins Glen; Elliott, Bell to start from rear", "William Byron signs extension, will remain in No. . Kurt Busch had an issue that sent him to the garage, but when he returned to the race, he blew his engine. [206], In the main event, Kyle Larson was awarded the pole. Two other female passengers in the truck age 58 and 62 suffered serious injuries and were transported to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and Jackson South Medical Center in Kendall, respectively, according to The News & Observer. On a round of green flag pit stops, Kyle Larson passed Busch for the lead. During the first few laps it began to rain and caused Busch to slam into the wall and others spun including Martin Truex Jr., and Alex Bowman. [187], In the Bluegreen Vacation Duel, Aric Almirola held off Joey Logano to win the first Duel. A dozen drivers shifted lanes to avoid him, but NASCAR didn't throw the caution flag. @BayleyCurrey // #NASHCAR pic.twitter.com/8zZ2H3q5Al. Well have a seat ready for him when hes healthy and ready to get back in a race car.. Having stopped in the pits, the 49-year-old driver suffered a fatal diabetic seizure. Elliott made his way back to the front, but spun after contact with Hamlin. [212], Kyle Busch was awarded the pole. With just over 30 laps remaining, the caution flag came out. Crash, Georgia Couple Were on 'Dream' 50th Anniversary Trip When They Were Killed in Montana Amtrak Crash, Iconic TV Couples: Our Favorite Love Stories from 'Friends, This Is Us' and More, On the 110th Anniversary of Titanic's Sinking, Revisit Chilling Tales of Life and Death from the PEOPLE Archives, Diplo's Plane Door Opens En Route to Texas, Plus More Celebs Who've Shared Their Scary Plane Stories. The Food City Dirt Race was supposed to be held on Sunday, March 28, but was postponed to Monday due to heavy rain and flooding. Finally, this was the first season without Clint Bowyer and Reed Sorenson since 2004, the former of which joined the NASCAR on Fox booth as a color commentator. Harrell was a tire carrier with Hendrick Motorsports for the last eight seasons, most recently working with on the No. NASCAR Pit Crew Member Killed in Car Crash Alongside Wife While on Multiple playoff drivers suffered issues late in the race, with Joey Logano blowing an engine and Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. involved in wrecks. Kyle Larson started on the pole for the race. Brad Keselowski would drive past DiBenedetto and hold off William Byron as several drivers crashed on the final lap to score his sixth career win at Talladega, tying Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon for second on the all-time Talladega win list behind Dale Earnhardt. Brad Keselowski got into the wall along with Daniel Surez, whose car caught fire. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Alex Bowman took the lead from Larson and was then passed by Chase Elliott. Derrike Cope would hit the wall on lap 4 to bring out the first caution while also causing damage to Bubba Wallace. John Hunter Nemechek won last weekend at Auto Club Speedway. 78 of, On October 3, 2021, it was announced that, On March 8, 2021, it was revealed through the release of the entry list for the race at. Kyle Larson was the only driver to challenge Truex for the lead as lapped traffic caused issues. I know him and sweet Blakley Harrell will always have a special place in my heart. That was the right decision for both safety and the competition side.. Kevin Bellicourt, previously the crew chief for, On January 28, 2021, it was announced that Frank Kerr would be the crew chief for the No. [186] It was the first year that the race was run on the road course, and the second Cup Series race run on the track's road course layout. The 23-year-old car dealership co-owner died on June 1, 1965, seventeen days after his accident. The 35-year-old driver died on July 5, 1952, the day after his accident. Praying everyone is ok, I just couldnt stop., The Indianapolis 500 Tragedy Rarely Talked About After an Errant Tire Killed a Fan in the Stands. Following an incident with Joey Gase only five laps into the run, most cars pitted with the four Hendrick Motorsports cars choosing to stay out. Now, NASCAR officials aren't clocking speed limits like traffic cops with radar guns. You didn't know how the race was going to play out, you don't know how the track is going to change. Michael McDowell, who started second, got a flat tire before entering the first turn as Kyle Busch got damage by running into the grass. "I feel so terrible for his and Blakleys families, and this team wont be the same without them. The 42-year-old drilling contractor died on June 4, 1994, the day after his accident. Ill be learning a new car in an hour or so (in practice). Elliott injured his left leg in a snowboarding accident in Colorado Friday and underwent a three-hour surgery Friday evening. 7 for, On January 28, 2021, NationsGuard, a subsidiary of the. We won't share it with anyone else. The race was forced to be delayed until the following day due to rain. [213], Brad Keselowski was awarded the pole. His death forced NASCAR to make changes, including the introduction of a pit road speed limit. On Sunday, NASCAR has its own Super Bowl: the Daytona 500. [222], Denny Hamlin was the pole sitter for the race. Martin Truex Jr. dominated by leading the most laps and winning both stages. On a restart, Elliott spun after contact with Kurt Busch. [225], Kyle Larson started from the pole position. The race was red flagged due to rain. At the start of the race, Martin Truex Jr. was penalized for crossing the start/finish line ahead of leader Denny Hamlin. FORECAST: Weather Underground Partly cloudy with a high of 58 degrees and a zero percent chance of rain at the start of the race. McLeod to have charter with new team", "Matt Tifft, BJ McLeod team named Live Fast Motorsports, will run #78 Ford", "Frank Kerr to crew chief for Live Fast Motorsports", "Shane Golobic to drive Bristol dirt race for Live Fast Motrsports", "Kyle Tilley to run four Cup races for Live Fast Motorsports", "Rick Ware Racing announces car number lineup", "Josh Bilicki Running Full 2021 Cup Schedule with Rick Ware Racing", "Joey Hand to make Cup debut with Rick Ware Racing at the ROVAL", "Joey Hand Making NASCAR Cup Series Debut For Rick Ware Racing in Stewart-Haas Prepared Car", "NASCAR: Kevin Harvick signs with Stewart-Haas Racing through 2023", "Rodney Childers confirms report of contract extension with Stewart-Haas", "Greg Zipadelli filling in for suspended Kevin Harvick crew chief Rodney Childers at Talladega", "Aric Almirola returning to Stewart-Haas with Smithfield Foods", "Stewart-Haas Racing chooses Chase Briscoe for Cup Series ride in 2021", "Chase Briscoe Moving to Cup in 2021 for Stewart-Haas Racing", "Engineer Davin Restivo Set to Serve as Crew Chief For Cole Custer at Phoenix After Mike Shiplett Suspension", "Team Penske, Brad Keselowski reach agreement on contract extension", "Team Penske, Brad Keselowski extend contract", "No Changes to Team Penske's Full-Time Crew Chief Lineup Ahead of 2021 NASCAR Season", "Report: Brad Keselowski's Crew Chief Jeremy Bullins to Miss Darlington Owing to Team Protocols", "Ryan Blaney signs contract extension with Team Penske", "NASCAR: Joey Logano signs Extension with Team Penske", "Matt DiBenedetto returning to Wood Brothers Racing next season; Austin Cindric to drive in 2022", "Jonathan Hassler serving as Matt DiBenedetto's crew chief at Martinsville", "Jonathan Hassler Assuming Crew Chief Duties of Wood Brothers Racing No. Kyle Larson suffered a blown engine and fall out of the race on only the third lap. In the front of the pack, Bill Elliott darted down pit road, the television cameras trained on him as he pitted. Bubba Wallace was leading when the rain hit. Trouble for two of today's favorites to win. "While this is a tough time, we are going to move forward and honor his memory as a racing family., This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: New Smyrna Speedway track official dies of heart attack during pit-road brawl. He sustained severe head and chest injuries from the accident and died of cardiac arrest minutes later at a local hospital during surgery for his injuries. Rookie racer Orr killed in crash", "Dale Earnhardt death overshadows Waltrip win at Daytona", "Midget accident results in death of Jim Knowlan", "Stock car mishap proves fatal to Gwyn Staley", "R. I. race driver among 5 killed in weekend speedway accidents", "Waltrip takes first in rain-shortened race", "Ex-Daytona driver loses 10-year race for his life", "Race driver Richie Evans killed in Martinsville wreck", "Druar, Lancaster driver, dies after two-car crash", "Gaines dies in violent crash during practice at Charlotte", "Injured driver dies from Charlotte crash", "Three-car crash claims life of driver Booher", "Racing minister dies during NASCAR event", "Autopsy shows race car driver suffered from heart disease", "Sportsman driver dies in fiery crash in Winston 100", "NASCAR driver Wrich dies from crash injuries", "I-44 Speedway death under investigation", "Hutto's death felt in his real, racing families", "Veteran Modified driver killed at Thompson", "NASCAR driver Carlos Pardo dies in fiery wreck", "Heart attack claims driver Gene Lovelace", "NASCAR officials will investigate driver's death", "Al Papini III, in memory of the weekend warrior", "Investigation continues into fatal crash at speedway in Roseville", "Despite recent crash, Roseville's speedway has first-rate safety record", "Veteran race car legend Leon Gonyo has stroke during victory lap", "Driver dies after crash at Devil's Bowl Speedway", "Cause of death released for driver Ron Casey", "Racer dies at Devil's Bowl Speedway in his first race in 20 years", "Racing cars kill officer at track; weekend toll 4", "2 mechanics and inspector killed at Darlington race", "Racing History Minute - 1965 Motor Trend 500 from Riverside Raceway", "Petty chokes tears, describes accident which killed kin", "16 spectators hurt at auto race as car goes through fence", "Race mishap claims steward in Western Grand National", "One spectator killed after crash at Ohio speedway", Midwest Roadside Safety Facility designers of the SAFER Barrier, D-BOX eNASCAR International iRacing Series, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_NASCAR_fatalities&oldid=1138170183, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 8 February 2023, at 11:28. With Hill out of commission, the team held a tryout at the shop to find a new right rear tire changer for the 1988 season. Near the end of the 1987 NASCAR Cup Series season on the road course at Riverside, Bill Elliotts crew was in the middle of a pit stop when Michael Waltrip and Jim Robinson made contact on pit road. After this crash, NASCAR elected to conduct all restarts going forward single-file to help with visibility, as the flying dust made it hard for drivers to see. Kyle Larson won the second stage of the race. William Byron spun and slammed into Kevin Harvick and collected Corey LaJoie. As he approached his pit stall during one stop, three of his crew members darted out in front of the car, expecting to get to the other side of the car and start changing the tires. "This weekend coming into the week, you just don't know, right?" 21 Effective Immediately", "Denny Hamlin forming Cup team with Michael Jordan; Bubba Wallace to drive; charter from Germain Racing", "Joe Gibbs confirms plans to work with Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin's new team", "Mike Wheeler to serve as Bubba Wallace's crew chief at 23XI Racing", "Mike Wheeler named Director of Competition at 23XI Racing; Bootie Barker to serve as crew chief for rest of 2021", "NASCAR: Denny Hamlin Agrees to Extension with JGR", "Joe Gibbs Racing announces crew chief changes", "NASCAR: Kyle Busch Signs Contract Extension with Joe Gibbs Racing", "Charlotte post-race penalties announced; Kyle Busch's crew chief suspended one race", "NASCAR Cup Series: Martin Truex Jr. to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2019", "Christopher Bell to drive No. NASCAR needs to get better at clarifying what causes a caution. 88 team, tweeted. Rich was airlifted to a nearby hospital but died hours later. NASCAR's Gruesome Death on Pit Road Shocked the Television Audience and Dramatically Changed the Rules for Safety. 51 car is officially listed on paper as Petty Ware Racing because they have a long-term partnership with, Entries were fielded in a collaboration with. This article lists drivers who have been fatally injured while competing in or in preparation for (testing, practice, qualifying) races sanctioned by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). "Rowdy was one of the most happy, kindest souls Id ever met and one of the greatest on pit road," Kevin Hamlin, a spotter for the No. The 64-year-old woman died on July 22, 2001, the day after the accident. While speeds on pit road are much slower, a mistake between a car and a pit crew member can also equal disastrous results. In the final chicane on the last lap, Elliott took an aggressive line, which spun Blaney out of the lead. McDowell would dodge the crash to win his first career NASCAR Cup Series race under caution as well as earning Front Row Motorsports their third Cup victory. Larson then took the lead from Truex and held off teammate Chase Elliott for his fifth win and second road win of the season. Kyle Busch goes for his second win in a row Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his hometown track. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Chris Buescher got into the wall along with Justin Haley. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. The 60-year-old real estate agent hit a wall but died of a heart attack. Andrews said Hendrick Motorsports has applied to NASCAR for a waiver that would allow Elliott to participate in the Cup Series playoffs if he qualifies. While NASCAR is known for the inherent dangers faced by the drivers, fans often lose sight of the high-risk environment pit crew members must navigate on a NASCAR pit road. And they're celebrating Black History Month with a docuseries about five Black NASCAR pit crew members. Stage 2 ends at Lap 165. Anthony Alfredo spun after contact with Brad Keselowski and collected Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Alex Bowman took the lead from the dominant Larson and pulled away for his second win of the season followed by teammates Larson, Chase Elliott and William Byron, making Hendrick the first team since Roush-Fenway Racing to have all four cars finish 1, 2, 3, 4. Hendrick Motorsports President Jeff Andrews said Saturday morning that Elliott is recovering well and that he is expected to be released from the hospital Saturday. We let the strategy unfold, and once everyone had played out their cards there, we knew we had to go get it, its just when you do that. Aric Almirola got turned after contact with Stewart Friesen (who was making his first Cup Series start), involving multiple other drivers. Late in the race, Alex Bowman wrecked leader Denny Hamlin. Tommy Cole, Bill Elliotts jack man, was hit and sent flying. Kevin Harvick had to pit early in the first stage due to a flat tire. Jake Garcia was the top-finishing rookie, placing 10th. * Most laps led. Hell have to contend with reigning series champion Joey Logano, who won this race last year, and Ross Chastain, who finished in the top three in both Las Vegas races last year. A track official at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida died early Sunday after a brawl on pit-road during a World Series of Asphalt event, but authorities believe he may have died of a heart. While the implementation of a speed limit was a huge improvement for the safety of pit crew members, NASCAR has instituted additional protocols through the years. The first stage was littered with accidents caused. The most recent happened in 1990 at Atlanta when Ricky Rudd locked up his brakes on pit road and spun out of control, his car hitting Mike Rich, a member of Bill Elliotts pit crew. Having remained in a semicomatose state for four years, Jacobi died on February 4, 1987. Different medical conditions contributed to his death on July 4, 2016, the day after his accident. On the restart, Martin Truex Jr. took the lead from Logano and pulled away for his 28th career win, tying Carl Edwards on NASCAR's all-time win list. Logano would dominate the final stage and hold off Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in overtime to become the series' seventh different winner of the season. Unfortunately, the additional safety precautions were born from tragedy when one pit crew member for Bill Elliotts team lost his life. Kevin Harvick would dominate, but Brad Keselowski won the second stage. RELATED VIDEO: Newlyweds, 30 and 33, Die in Plane Crash on Scenic Colo. Honeymoon They Were Documenting Online. Byron was able to get back to the lead and pulled away to hold off a charging Tyler Reddick for his second career Cup Series win. This list shows NASCAR Cup Series fatalities. Having remained in a coma for eleven years, Baldwin died on June 12, 1997. Chris Buescher won Stage 1 for his 2nd stage win of the season and the first since February at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Chase Elliott was able to un-lap himself, and William Byron earned the lucky dog pass. Keselowski spun early while leading as teammate Joey Logano won the first stage. Mike Rich, however, never had a chance. Despite dealing with technical issues during the race, Kyle Larson was able to overcome it to pass Hamlin with 8 laps to go to win the race. Today, these limits depend largely on track design, so a smaller track like Bristol has a speed limit of 30 mph, while a superspeedway like Talladega has a speed limit of 55 mph. A few drivers, though, were stretching their run. Fortunately for Jeremy Geiter, those rules were in place on Saturday in Nashville or there might have been a very different outcome. 2, 99 teams suspended after Phoenix", "Daniel Suarez's crew chief ejected at Martinsville", "Anthony Alfredo joining Front Row Motorsports? Elliott was awarded the win, giving Chevrolet its 800th win in NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports its 268th win, tying Petty Enterprises for the most wins by team in NASCAR history. [214], William Byron won the pole in qualifying for the first Cup race on the Indianapolis Road Course. The fatal crash occurred on 9:40 p.m. when a 2020 Toyota Corolla driven by Harrell passed over the center line on U.S. 1 near Lower Matecumbe Key, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol obtained by The Miami Herald. On February 9, 2021, it was revealed through the list of owner points transfers prior to the start of the season that, On January 6, 2021, Front Row Motorsports announced that, On January 19, 2021, Spire Motorsports announced that, On January 19, 2021, Rick Ware Racing announced that, On March 15, 2021, MBM Motorsports announced that 2018, On March 16, 2021, Spire Motorsports announced that full-time Truck Series driver and accomplished dirt racer, On April 13, 2021, Rick Ware Racing announced that longtime Truck Series driver, On April 15, 2021, it was announced that Joe Gibbs Racing Xfinity Series driver, On May 14, 2021, Spire Motorsports announced that, On August 19, 2021, Spire Motorsports announced that Josh Berry would drive the No. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Byron then had to pit with three laps to go, handing the lead to Denny Hamlin. Ryan Newman and Kevin Harvick both spun into the wall after having flat tires. Truex, Hamlin and Elliott would finish 2nd, 3rd and 5th respectively in the race to finish in the point standings 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively. Bowman won the race for his fourth victory of the season. Kyle Busch said Saturday he had reached out to Elliott to offer advice and assistance. Fire damages Exeter home, resident unharmed, Truck driver killed in lumber-unloading accident at Gilford Home Center, Rat-bite tenement shows improvement but still can't pass city inspection, Two missing Maine women found safe, police say, Plunge into Androscoggin River in Errol claims life of Berlin man, Bomb hoaxes reported at Target stores in Bedford, Keene, Chemical spill at Lactalis USA in Londonderry prompts hazmat response, Police: School threats appear to be hoaxes - again. DISTANCE: The race is 267 laps (400.5 miles) on the 1.5-mile speedway. NASCAR has suspended tire changer Danny Olszowy and jackman Kellen Mills two races each for a tire coming off Martin Truex Jr.'s car during last weekend's Cup race at Auto Club Speedway. Through the years, there have been many serious accidents, including several fatalities. List of NASCAR fatalities - Wikipedia On February 8, 2021, Offerpad was announced as the primary sponsor of the Joe Gibbs Racing No. After the race, Currey expressed his concern for what happened on Twitter: Not the day we wanted at @NashvilleSuperS. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. 13.5% of the penalties were because the team had to go to a backup car. View of the track during the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Goody's Cool Orange 500 at Martinsville Like Sportscasting on Facebook. Matt DiBenedetto was awarded the stage win. [226], Kyle Larson was the pole sitter. He lost his life several years later in another accident at age 32. This was also the first season since 2000 without seven-time Champion Jimmie Johnson (until 2023 as a part-time driver). Having stopped in the pits, the 36-year-old upholstery shop owner suffered a fatal heart attack. Unlike the drivers, who are enveloped by a cocoon of safety, including a roll cage and a high-tech harness system, pit crew members try to stay safe by relying on a helmet, a flame-retardant suit, and a head on a swivel. A lot happened really fast, Berry said. Now, if its a bona fide safety had issue, then well have to act on that. The death is under investigation pending the results of an autopsy, Chitwood said. But with teammate Logano's victory, he's now the only Team Penske driver yet to win this season through seven races. In overtime, Ryan Blaney took the lead and won the race as a nine-car wreck occurred in turn 3 on the final lap. Having finished a practice run, Baker suffered a fatal heart attack. If NASCAR can avoid another tragic Mike Rich incident, then it's definitely a step in the right direction. The final stage would remain caution-free as Hamlin, in contention to win the race for the third consecutive time, would pit from the lead on final pit stops, but would fall back to 13th as the pack fell in line single file with Joey Logano leading. Larson won the regular season championship while Tyler Reddick clinched the final spot in the playoffs. His death, however, did not happen in vain. NASCAR explains delay on caution for errant tire - NBC Sports Martin Truex Jr. won the first stage while William Byron won the second stage.