Danica Patrick, Tony Stewart and Jamie McMurray were involved in an accident that saw Patrick’s car become engulfed in flames and Stewart and McMurray absorb hard hits just minutes into Sprint Cup practice Friday at Dover International Speedway.
Danica Patrick’s car catches fire in crash involving Tony Stewart, Jamie McMurray during Dover practice
All three drivers walked away from the scary wreck that saw Patrick’s car catch fire and Stewart and McMurray slam nearly at full speed into a concrete wall.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The incident began when Patrick’s Chevrolet leaked oil off Turn 4, causing herself, Stewart and McMurray to lose control of their cars. As Patrick spun down the frontstretch a fireball erupted out of the rear of the No. 10 car, while at the same time Stewart and McMurray each slammed into the outside wall nearly at full speed.
Stewart and McMurray struck a section of the wall not protected by an energy-absorbent protective barrier. All three drivers were evaluated and released from the infield care center, but McMurray banged his left elbow and Stewart was shown by Fox Sports 1 walking gingerly from his car.
“I got back to the throttle and it was like a really muffled, like it blew an engine and then it just got sideways and hit the wall,” Patrick said. “As you can see there were lots of flames too, obviously, some kind of oil or something like that in there that created that.
“I really feel bad because Jamie’s elbow hurt pretty bad and I don’t know if Tony is feeling perfect, but definitely unfortunate. Not something we commonly see.”
Stewart suffered a broken a broken back Jan. 31 that caused him to miss the first eight races of the season. He returned April 24 after undergoing extensive rehabilitation. Neither Stewart nor McMurray spoke following Friday’s accident.
“(Stewart) left the medical center, so he is okay enough for that,” Patrick said. “Only he knows if he feels really sore or anything like that. I’m sure that anything that jolts his back will probably play some part. Hopefully, if it’s anything it goes away quickly.
“I think at any point in time you worry for Tony just making sure he is okay after everything he has gone through physically.”
All three drivers moved to backup cars for the remainder of the weekend and returned to the track to finish the practice session.
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