During the penultimate season of her NASCAR Cup Series career in 2016, Danica Patrick became the focus of controversy after a dramatic incident involving Kasey Kahne at the Auto Club 400 in Fontana, California. The Kasey Kahne NASCAR crash on March 20 unfolded on lap 121, abruptly ending Patrick’s race and sparking intense post-race emotions.
The Incident on the Fontana Frontstretch
Patrick, known for setting uncompromising standards for women in motorsport, was navigating the frontstretch when the fateful contact happened. As Kahne drifted downwards while she moved up the track, their cars collided. The impact sent Patrick’s Chevrolet careening into the outside wall, resulting in significant damage that forced her out of the event. Jimmie Johnson proceeded to secure the victory that afternoon, while Patrick avoided injury but voiced pointed criticism after she was released from the infield medical center.
She revealed her disappointment, highlighting that Kahne’s maneuver, made while he was a lap down and side-drafting a lead-lap car on the straight, was unnecessary and perilous. Patrick underscored the heightened risk of collisions in that section of the track, noting that the situation could have easily escalated into an airborne crash.
Kasey Kahne Addresses the Aftermath and Accepts Responsibility
Kahne acknowledged his role in the crash and demonstrated concern for Patrick’s wellbeing. He stated,
Image of: Kasey Kahne
“Man, I felt bad. I’m glad she got out and is all right,”
—Kasey Kahne, Driver. When officials later questioned Kahne and his team, the conversation turned to ensuring no previous disputes existed between the drivers.
He shared with NASCAR,
“just wanted to make sure everything was OK from my perspective and there were no hard feelings prior to the wreck or anything like that. I was like, ‘Man, not at all. I’ve never had an issue with Danica at all.’”
—Kasey Kahne, Driver. According to Kahne, the crash resulted from an avoidable miscalculation in the straightaway, not from lingering animosity. He expressed that his aggressive move was intended solely to protect his recent position on the track.
Immediate Reactions and Official Scrutiny
The crash drew immediate attention from both fans and officials. Eyewitness accounts describe how, after leaving her wrecked Chevrolet, Patrick—driving for Stewart-Haas Racing (#10 SHR)—walked toward Kahne’s car along the apron and gestured at him as he drove by under caution. Although she remained below the uppermost boundary line, her trajectory briefly veered close enough to the racing surface to capture the notice of competition officials. This movement occurred before Patrick proceeded to the infield care center for the obligatory checkup.
NASCAR’s Disciplinary Response to Patrick’s Actions
NASCAR determined Patrick’s approach toward the track violated established safety protocols. The governing body responded by fining her $20,000 and placing her on probation for the subsequent four Cup Series events. This decision underscored NASCAR’s strict enforcement of rules designed to protect all competitors, reinforcing that even high-profile drivers like Patrick are not exempt from consequences following on-track altercations.
The moment was further highlighted by coverage from accounts such as Random Nascar Crashes, which described the event:
“March 20th, 2016, the Auto Club 400. On lap 121 on the frontstretch, Kasey Kahne would come down into turn Danica Patrick, while she was coming up. This would cause Patrick to spin out and hit the outside wall hard. Jimmie Johnson would go on to win the race.#nascar #autoclub…”
—Random Nascar Crashes, Social Media Commentary.
Lingering Impact of the Kahne-Patrick Collision
The Kasey Kahne NASCAR crash at Fontana illustrated the heightened stakes and inherent risks of elite motorsport. For Patrick, the episode reinforced her reputation for demanding equal standards and accountability across the grid—values she championed throughout her career. NASCAR’s penalties emphasized the sport’s zero-tolerance approach to safety violations, regardless of circumstance or status. As the season continued, the incident remained a talking point, shaping debate over driver conduct, gender norms in racing, and the responsibilities that come with high-speed competition on the Cup Series circuit.
March 20th, 2016, the Auto Club 400. On lap 121 on the frontstretch, Kasey Kahne would come down into turn Danica Patrick, while she was coming up. This would cause Patrick to spin out and hit the outside wall hard. Jimmie Johnson would go on to win the race.#nascar#autoclub… pic.twitter.com/0HV55bTQ4I
