Huge crash causes red flag at Watkins Glen

A scary incident involving several cars put Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen International under the red flag.

The carnage began when Ryan Newman lost control of his Chevrolet after tagging the rear of Greg Biffle’s car on lap 57 of 90. Newman slammed the inside guard rail which then propelled him back onto the track and into the path of Michael McDowell, who broadsided Newman’s car. McDowell then became partially airborne before striking a different guardrail.

“I’m good thank the good lord above because that was a bad wreck,” McDowell said. “I’m not really sure what happened I saw the 16 (Biffle) get a little wide and the 31 (Newman) come across the track and I really didn’t have any time to try and not hit Ryan in the door there. I was just along for the ride.

“I’m glad to walk away, I feel blessed.”

In the aftermath, a large field of debris was scattered along the track and the guardrails that Newman and McDowell each struck received heavy damage necessitating NASCAR to stop the Cheez-It 355 as track workers made repairs.

Alex Bowman and Danica Patrick were also collected. All drivers involved escaped without injury.