A scary crash on the track at Daytona dampened the mood after the season opening Nationwide race, which driver Tony Stewart took home after being able to stay away from any damage on the track.
The crash happened at the very end of the race on Saturday as Kyle Larson's car went airborne into the side fencing, ripping off part of the front of the car and leaving some debris on the track and on the inside fencing. A tire flew off the track and into the seating area, although there wasn't any word on injuries.
Some reports had photos of people being taken away on stretcher in the grandstands and another woman was seen with her leg bleeding.
"Right now, the function is to determine what damage was done," said NASCAR president Mike Helton. "They are taking some folks to Halifax Medical Center. Our prayers and thoughts are with everyone they are working on."
Larson was able to get out his car on his own and he did not appear to be seriously injured.
"I hope all the fans are OK," Larson said. "I took a couple of big hits and saw my engine was gone."
The engine of his car was out of the vehicle and parts were scattered all over the track after the crash. The wreck involved 12 cars as the front of the pack came to the final two laps.
"I was getting pushed from behind," Larson said. "Before I could react, it was too late. Flames came in the cockpit, but I was able to get out of the car quick."
Tony Stewart was able to avoid any damage and came in first place, while Sam Hornish Jr. followed in second place. Driver Michael Annett was taken to the hospital after the crash when his car slammed into one of the barriers.
CLICK HERE for VIDEO of the crash from Daytona.
The crash happened as Regan Smith was leading with Brad Keselowski on his back. Smith's car suddenly spun out right and went up the track, causing a large crash.
"I tried to throw a block," Smith said. "I knew Brad was going to make a move. It's Daytona. You have to go for it. We were coming to the checkered flag. You want to win. I don't know how you can play it any differently, other than conceding to second place, and I wasn't going to do that."
The race restarted after the crash with two laps to go, leaving Stewart to take the flag.
"We've always known this is a dangerous sport, but it's hard when the fans get caught up in it," Stewart said in Victory Lane. "As much as we want to celebrate, I'm more concerned about the fans and the drivers right now. We want to put on a good show, but not at the risk to fans. There's no easy solution on these types of track." Keselowski took a deep breath as he left the infield care center."
