Last Updated on January 15, 2022 by Pittalks
Saturday night was the usual when it comes to a Daytona finish. Drivers going 3 wide all the way thru the finish, and when that happens you can count on wrecking. Well, it didn’t disappoint. As the cars were coming thru the tri oval and taking the checkers, there was a big spin that left multiple cars slamming into the wall and some even made their way down towards the front of pit road.
What happened next was scary and dangerous. As the cars were spinning on the track, a few cars made there way down towards the front of pit road. The first three pit boxes were the 18, 22, and 13. As the cars were spinning, debris was flying all over the place. Front Tire Changer Jay Hackney of the #22 car was standing in front of their box watching the final lap.
“I was up at the front where I usually stand to watch a race and I remember the cars wrecking right in front of us. About that time, me and a few other guys see this piece of debris come flying at our box.”
By the time the guys could turn their heads and take cover, it was to late. A piece of debris from one of the cars had broke lose and came flying at the #22 box like a bullet. The debris hit the box, then bounced off and caught Jay in the wrist.
Rear Tire Carrier Trent Cherry was standing on the back part of the box. “I remember seeing a blur coming flying by and hearing it hit the box. The next thing I know I was looking at our Jack Man, who was right beside me, then looked farther down the wall and saw Jay holding his wrist.”
After everything calmed down Jay was able to check his wrist and make sure he was OK. The scary part was what could of happened.
“This is one of those accidents where you think what if. If that piece of debris hits one of our guys in the chest or head, it wasn’t going to be good. We got lucky tonight.”
Cars wrecking and heading down pit road doesn’t happen that often, but when it does you better be taking cover. Thanks to Jay for the insight and glad to here he is OK.
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