Survives the Worst Wreck of Several Incidents in Atlanta
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Survives the Worst Wreck of Several Incidents in Atlanta |
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The Primestar 500 saw several serious accidents, the most severe of which involved Steve Grissom. In the closing laps, Jimmy Spencer got loose coming out of turn 2. His rear-end hit the outside wall causing the traffic behind him to check up. As he was spinning across the track, Steve Grissom was hit from behind and sent sliding sideways, toward the infield wall. Mike Skinner was unable to avoid the Spencer car, and went airborne went it hit Spencer's front end. Skinner settled back on all four's and continued sliding. Grissom, however, slammed rear-end first into the concrete retaining wall. The impact completely tore the rear-end from the car and sent the fuel cell, spewing gasoline, all the way back across the track. The 41 Kodiak Chevrolet then bounced and spun on its roof directly into the path of oncoming traffic.Mike Wallace, avoiding the car, went high and ignited the fuel on the track, causing a huge fireball. Kenny Wallace swerved to avoid the fire, and hit the rear axle of the 41 car, and sent Grissom spinning a little more. The NASCAR community waited anxiously until word came from the infield care center that Steve was okay. He suffered a bruised ankle, but that was all. The race was red flagged for 52 minutes while Nascar and track officials reinforced the concrete wall that was shattered by the impact. Previously in the race, there were cautions for debris, Greg Sacks hitting the wall, Ricky Rudd tapping Ken Schrader, spinning him down the front straight, and one other frightening incident. In turn four, Ted Musgrave got high and into the marbles. He lost the back end, and hit the outside wall. Rusty Wallace swerved to avoid the 16 car, but was tapped, and spun into the wall, flattening one side of his car and taking him out of contention. Musgrave spun back up the track, directly into the path of Ricky Craven. Unable to avoid an accident, Craven slammed into the passenger side of Musgrave's car. Neither driver was injured, but it made for some exciting replays. The next time these driver's visit this facility, they will face a different beast. The track will be converted from an oval to a tri-oval. The racing is certain to change, let's just hope it doesn't lose any excitement. |
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