Daytona Wreck Quite the Mess, Dang!

**Ratickle** · 02-23-2013 09:39 PM

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA

Twenty-eight people were injured — two critically — during the last lap of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, officials said, when a car slammed into the catch fence and came apart.

The incident was the result of a last-lap crash in the battle for the win. Kyle Larson’s car was launched into the fence as drivers crashed around him and Tony Stewart took the checkered flag. The suspension and tires from Larson’s car went into the fence, with one tire appearing to sail over it. The front end was sheared off of Larson’s car, but the driver climbed from it.

Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III confirmed that 14 people were transported off property and an additional 14 were treated in the at-track care center.

“First and foremost our thoughts and prayers are with our race fans,” Chitwood read from a prepared statement Saturday night. “Following the incident we responded appropriately according to our safety protocols, and had emergency medical personnel at the incident immediately. ... We're in the process of repairing the facility and will be ready to go racing tomorrow.”

Chitwood said that those injured were located in the section just outside of where Larson’s car hit the fence and the crossover gate. Chitwood declined to give an update on injuries.

Halifax Health spokesman Byron Cogdell said 12 spectators were treated in the hospital's emergency room, seven from injuries related to the crash - including one with life-threatening injuries and one child in critical condition - and five non-related issues. All patients were stable.

Chitwood said the track would complete a standard review of the facility on Saturday night.

“At this point as we responded to the incident, we transported immediately to those patients that needed critical assistance,” he said. “We'll review ourselves in terms of where the debris flew and what we need to do with that.”

The crash happened as the race was coming to an end.

Regan Smith was leading the drafting pack common to races at Daytona – cars running high speeds inches off one another’s bumpers and two- and three-wide. He moved to block Brad Keselowski, who bumped him. He checked up and the cars piled into the incident.

Sam Hornish Jr. hit Keselowski and Larson, who was running sixth at the time, was launched over Keselowski’s car and into the 22-foot tall catch fence about 75 yards from the finish line.

Larson, Smith, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Joe Nemechek, Robert Richardson, Trevor Bayne, Mike Wallace, Travis Pastrana, Elliott Sadler, Alex Bowman, Brad Keselowski, and Justin Allgaier were all involved in the accident. All drivers were evaluated and released from the infield care center.

More: Huge wreck occurs on last lap of Nationwide race at Daytona - NASCAR News | FOX Sports on MSN