2014 Coke Zero 400: ‘Big One’ strikes again at NASCAR Daytona with 26-car crash

The “Big One” struck again Sunday in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. This time a total of 26 cars -- over half the field -- were collected in the crash on lap 97 of the 160 lap race. Sixteen cars were involved in the crash that occurred on the 19th lap.

The carnage began when Greg Biffle tapped the rear of Kasey Kahne, who then got into Joey Logano. All three drivers were running near the front of the pack entering Turn 3.

Biffle called the crash a “chain-reaction” and said he didn’t have time to react.

In the ensuing melee, Kyle Busch toppled on his roof after contact with Cole Whitt. Busch compared the experience to a “carnival ride,” but said overall he was fine hanging upside down.

“It’s not bad,” Busch said. “I mean, you’re in a seven-point (safety) harness so things are all good. Your chest is held, your abdomen is held and everything is held and you just wait for (the track workers) to come in there and get you and turn you over, because it’s way safer to get turned over in that seat because you already got turned over once then it is to try to undo the belts and bang your head off the ceiling and try to get out.”

Jamie McMurray also got airborne with all four wheels momentarily coming off the ground before landing upright. Every driver involved escaped injury

“I will tell you I have never had a car that’s off the ground and it’s a crazy feeling, and it’s a helpless feeling to have the car do that,” McMurray said. “I was really lucky that it set back down. You see these big wrecks and those are probably the easiest hits you take all year long because everyone is going the same speed and for the most part, those don’t hurt near as bad as if you have a tire issue or something.”

NASCAR placed the race under the red flag with Aric Almirola of Richard Petty Motorsports leading.

Petty’s iconic No. 43 car hasn’t won a Sprint Cup event since 1999 at Martinsville Speedway -- a span of 543 races. Daytona was the site of Petty’s last victory as a driver, which occurred 30 years ago this weekend.