NASCAR connoisseurs bore witness to not one but two fiery wrecks during Saturday’s Coke Zero 400, the second of which halted the final stage and offered a glimpse into just how dangerous the sport really can be.
Ryan Preece was transported to a local hospital after colliding with Chase Briscoe with six laps remaining in the final stage. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver was seeking a playoff-clinching win at Daytona when he got under his teammate Briscoe, at which point Preece’s No. 41 car went airborne. Preece’s car flipped over 10 times before coming to a stop in the infield, catching fire shortly thereafter.
Here’s a clip of the wreck. Viewer discretion is advised.
Ryan Preece flipped 10 times in this violent crash late at Daytona.#NASCAR | @NBC and @Peacock pic.twitter.com/ho1EpXZr3E
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) August 27, 2023
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Fortunately for Preece and those watching, he climbed out of the car on his own accord. He was eventually taken to the the infield care center, then a hospital away from the track for observation.
Ryan Preece injury update
Preece appears to be in good spirits following his wreck. Despite the nature of the collision, Preece was able to walk away from the scene relatively unscathed. He seemingly confirmed that things were indeed calm in a tweet he posted later in the night, telling his followers that he’s planning on “coming back.”
If you want to be a race car driver, you better be tough.
Dammit. Fast @racechoice @FordPerformance Mustang. I’m coming back.
— Ryan Preece (@RyanPreece_) August 27, 2023
Whether that will be next week remains to be seen. However, it’s clear the No. 41 driver has his sights set on a return to the cockpit in the near future. And for that, we are grateful.