Fansided

Scary scene mars the end of Coke Zero 400

By Charles Rahrig V

July 07, 2012; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series fans find their way to their seats prior to the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
July 07, 2012; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series fans find their way to their seats prior to the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /
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A wreck at the finish line of the Coke Zero 400 sent Austin Dillon‘s car into the safety fence, several cars spinning and left fans in the stands hurt.

On a night that should have been celebrated for a phenomenal performance at the Coke Zero 400 by Dale Earnhardt Jr., instead all anyone could talk about was what happened behind him as the checkered flag waved.

As Denny Hamlin was making one last push for the win, he turned sideways in front of several cars at the line. With Kevin Harvick giving him one last push, it sent everything in motion.

As a result, it sent Austin Dillon straight into the air, and into the fence of the grandstands.

Austin Dillon would be upside in what was left of his car on the track. He would give a thumbs up to signal he was okay, as several crew members from his team and others raced out to check on him.

He hit so hard, that the entire fence protecting the fans, including the steel cables holding it up, were destroyed.

He hit the fence so hard, that there was almost nothing left of his car. His engine was literally laying in the infield.

To make matters even worse, three fans were apparently injured in the stands as a result of the flying debris. It is hopeful that those fans will be okay, as they were attended to almost immediately.

Every year Daytona has the big one, and this one will certainly lead to further questions about the safety of tracks and cars alike.

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