NASCAR's Wildest Delays
Let's face it: NASCAR has been plagued with (or gifted) some of the most surprising and bizarre interruptions in motorsports history. High speeds and fierce competition define races, but sometimes, it's everything but the race itself that truly makes a splash and suddenly halts everything. So keep reading to get a glimpse of the 20 most unusual race stoppages ever recorded.
U.S. Air Force photo by Larry McTighe on Wikimedia
1. Jet Dryer Explosion
One of the most infamous interruptions in NASCAR history occurred during the 2012 Daytona 500. Juan Pablo Montoya’s car suffered a mechanical failure and crashed into a jet dryer truck, creating a massive fireball. The explosion led to a two-hour red flag period as crews extinguished the flames and repaired the damaged track surface.
2. Fan Steals Pace Car
In an unprecedented security breach, a fan at the 1986 Talladega 500 managed to access the pace car and take it for a joyride on the track. Officials halted the race while law enforcement intervened. The event led to heightened security measures at NASCAR events to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia on Wikimedia
3. Inflatable Orange Incident
Promotional stunts do not always go as planned. During the 2004 Tropicana 400, a giant inflatable orange broke loose and rolled onto the track. The obstacle forced a caution as officials worked to remove the hazard. While humorous in hindsight, the moment falls among NASCAR’s most bizarre interruptions.
4. Sprinkler System Malfunction
Water and high-speed racing are a dangerous mix. At Richmond Raceway in 2013, the track’s sprinkler system unexpectedly activated mid-race and drenched portions of the surface. The moisture created hazardous conditions, forcing officials to stop the race until the track dried.
5. Coyote On Track
Animals occasionally wander onto racetracks, but a coyote sighting at Texas Motor Speedway in 2008 was particularly startling. The wild animal trotted across the track during a practice session, prompting an immediate halt while officials worked to remove it safely. The incident raised questions about track security and animal deterrence measures.
6. Power Outage
Racing under the lights is a spectacle, but chaos follows when those lights go out. A significant power outage at Bristol Motor Speedway 2004 left the track in darkness, forcing an extended delay. Engineers scrambled to restore electricity. It emphasized the importance of reliable backup systems in modern racing.
7. Light Malfunction
A malfunctioning track light confused a 2015 Richmond race. Officials debated if the race could continue under the compromised conditions before deciding to pause the event. The disruption served as a reminder of how even minor technical failures can impact high-stakes competition.
8. Track Invasion By Fan
A NASCAR race is no place for pedestrians, but that did not stop an overzealous fan from running onto the track during the 2000 Talladega 500. The reckless stunt prompted immediate caution and disrupted the race, which resulted in swift security action.
9. Groundhog On Track
Groundhogs are not known for their speed, but one delayed a race at Pocono Raceway in 2014. The small animal wandered onto the track and forced officials to halt the action until it could be safely removed. The incident added another unusual moment to NASCAR’s long history of wildlife interruptions.
10. Ambulance On Track
During the 1976 Daytona 500, an ambulance mistakenly drove onto the track, creating a hazardous situation for drivers. The sudden appearance of the emergency vehicle was shocking. It led to stricter protocols for emergency personnel operating near the track.
Pit-road incident leads to damaged cars by NASCAR
11. Fire Truck On Track
Similar to the 1976 Daytona incident, a fire truck entered the track unexpectedly during a caution at Kansas Speedway in 2013. The situation caused confusion among drivers and officials. This delayed the race until the vehicle was safely removed.
Watch: Truck catches fire in opening Phoenix practice by NASCAR
12. Cat On Track
A stray cat found its way onto the track during a 2008 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It amused fans but presented a real hazard for drivers traveling at high speeds. Officials quickly intervened to ensure the cat’s safe removal.
13. Loose Tire Incident
A loose tire from a previous crash rolled onto the racing surface at Martinsville Speedway in 2004. The errant wheel created a big safety hazard. It reinforced the importance of strict regulations on securing equipment at pit stops.
14. Track Surface Issue
During a 2011 race at Watkins Glen, a section of the track surface broke apart, forcing NASCAR to red-flag the event. The delay allowed officials to conduct emergency repairs to ensure driver safety. It talks about the wear and tear of racing surfaces that happen over time.
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia
15. Rain Delay
Weather frequently disrupts NASCAR events, and the 2015 Daytona 500 was no exception. Heavy rainfall forced a lengthy delay. Everyone, including fans and teams, got frustrated. Thankfully, NASCAR’s ability to quickly dry tracks using jet dryers has improved over the years. Still, sometimes, nature refuses to cooperate.
16. Pothole Delay
Potholes are common on public roads, but they are not supposed to appear in NASCAR races. During the 2009 Daytona 500, a pothole developed on the track that led to a red flag for repairs. The delay marked the challenges of maintaining tracks under extreme conditions.
17. Stage Racing Confusion
The introduction of stage racing in NASCAR was meant to add excitement. However, the 2017 Brickyard 400 created confusion. Drivers, teams, and officials struggled to adjust to the new format, which led to a temporary halt in the race as rules were clarified.
El Biffster at flikr on Wikimedia
18. Bird Strike
A high-speed collision with birds is dangerous in any setting, especially during races. During the 2002 Pepsi 400, a bird managed to strike a driver’s windshield and created the need for cleanup. Fortunately, the driver was unharmed, but the incident was yet another halt in NASCAR.
19. Snow Delay
Snow is rare in NASCAR, but the 2018 winter weather postponed a Bristol race to the following day. The accumulation of snow and ice made the track unsafe, so officials had to delay the event. That snow-covered speedway is still a memorable moment in racing history.
20. Noose Incident
One of the most controversial interruptions in NASCAR history occurred in 2020 when a noose was found in Bubba Wallace’s garage stall. While the incident was later determined to be a misunderstanding, it brought attention to NASCAR’s efforts to promote inclusivity as well as diversity in the sport.
