Road tracks have always been difficult to tame for NASCAR drivers. This was evident during Saturday’s Xfinity race at Road America. The event was wreck carnage, to say the least, as most of the drivers ended up with mechanical issues and found themselves off the track after crashing into the safety barriers. But Chandler Smith did something distinctive.

Among all the victims of on-track wreckages, it was Joe Gibbs Racing’s John Hunter Nemechek who was pushed off track, broke the splitter of the car, and put an end to a favorable result. However, amidst all the furor, Kaulig Racing’s Chandler Smith faced the worst brunt among all the drivers in the Xfinity Series as he tried to take the reins of the race.

Chandler Smith takes a leap of faith as he tries to stop his car after a mechanical failure

NASCAR is not oblivious to the consequences of hitting the safety barriers while driving at a mind-boggling speed of 160mph. The history of stock car racing has been replete with instances where hitting these barriers has taken a harrowing turn of events. The drivers often end up suffering concussions or worse if the incident takes an unprecedented turn.

Kaulig Racing’s Chandler Smith can thank his luck as he was able to evade a horrific incident. The incident occurred at Lap 20 in Turn 1 when the brake rotor exploded for the No. 16 Chevrolet and the driver lost control of his car. The car sustained huge damages, but Smith was able to exit his car on his own accord and did not suffer any major harm. Nevertheless, the driver was taken to the infield care center for further evaluation but was soon released.

NASCAR posted an on-track video on NBC’s Instagram profile. The post wrote, “Chandler Smith only had one option: drive his own car into the wall.”

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Fans show their appreciation for Chandler Smith’s bravado

As the post gained more views, NASCAR enthusiasts seized the opportunity to appreciate Chandler Smith, putting his safety first, and how he was able to evade a major incident on track.

A fan wrote under the post, “Massive respect for being willing to send himself into a wall for the safety of others.”

“He possibly saved his own life and another drivers life.”

“Cars can be replaced. People can’t. Glad he had the situational awareness to make that move because it could’ve been much worse”, wrote another.

Others also wrote, “Very smart move. At that speed it was the best thing to do!”

“He could’ve went into the turn one barrier head on at like 170 mph or more if he didn’t turn towards the wall to slow it down. That could’ve ended terribly.”

“Reminds me of Jimmie Johnson at Watkins Glen in the Busch series.”

This wise action was surely worthy of admiration, and it highlights the fact that some incidents can be avoided by the right choice of decisions. This incident should act as a precedent for other drivers in order to dodge such events.

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