NASCAR Crash Stirs the Samsung 500

NASCAR driver Michael McDowell escaped a near death experience at the Texas Motor Speedway for the Samsung 500 last Friday.  His car slammed into the wall unexpectedly.  Experts say it was one of the most spectacular crashes in decades.

McDowell said he knew immediately that he was in trouble when he turned into the corner. The car got loose and hooked to the right. He was going about 200 mph as he entered the turn, knocking off a some speed before hitting the wall.

The car rolled about 8 times and was set on fire before landing on all four wheels near Turn 2.  McDowell braced as his car tumbled out of control, feeling fortunate when the car finally ended right-side up.  McDowell told reporters that he was thankful he walked away from the incident unscathed. 

NASCAR safety crews surrounded the burning vehicle moments after it came to a complete stop.  There is always the risk of explosion whenever there is a crash.  Too often, the driver his burned to death in mishaps like this.  Luckily, the safety acted efficiently and were right there as soon as he landed. McDowell hopped out of his car gracefully and walked on his own to the ambulance.

McDowell's wife, Jami, got a scare but remembered her husband advising her to keep calm during these types of circumstances.  McDowell left the crash with minor bruises and went on to finish the Samsung 500 on Sunday in 32nd place.

Since Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s death in a crash several years ago, during the Daytona 500, NASCAR has significantly improved upon safety and precautionary measures, including restraints in the cars and safety barriers that absorb some of the energy during crashes.

This has been the second time in 2 weeks that McDowell has been in the headlines.  Just before this crash, he had an incident with Jeff Burton regarding on-track etiquette.  However, McDowell says that the next time he's in the headlines, he wants it to be as a result of his good racing abilities.  He told NASCAR that he's done being the crash test dummy.

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