The 2025 Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway delivered another heart-stopping finish, as NASCAR fans witnessed late-race drama that involved multiple cautions and intense competition. The race featured Chase Elliott making a decisive move to overcome the Toyotas amid the tension of overtime restarts. A shocking moment came when the No. 38 Ford driver, Zane Smith, was involved in a frightening crash triggered by contact with John Hunter Nemechek, which resulted in Smith’s car riding up the fence on its side.
Sequence Leading to the Upside-Down Incident
John Hunter Nemechek lost control and drifted upward on the track, colliding with Zane Smith’s vehicle. In an unusual turn, Smith’s right-side tires struck the wall, causing his car to climb the fence and come to rest on its door. Following this alarming impact, Smith’s car tumbled down the banking before coming to a stop back on its wheels. Despite the severity of the crash, Smith was able to exit the car by himself and was promptly examined at the in-field care center, then released without critical injuries.
Day’s Performance Cut Short by Crash
Before the accident, Zane Smith had shown consistency by finishing ninth in the opening stage and maintaining a position between ninth and fifteenth throughout most of the race. This promising run was abruptly ended by the crash, which relegated him to a 31st-place finish officially. Fans and followers now reflect on the incident’s impact on Smith’s day and his overall NASCAR season.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Coverage
The crash has sparked a range of emotions among NASCAR enthusiasts, from frustration to concern for Smith’s safety. As supporters weigh in on the spectacle and its consequences, coverage continues across social media platforms where fans are invited to share their views on this daring and dangerous moment on the track.
“Zane Smith exited the vehicle under his own power after this incident late at @kansasspeedway.” — NASCAR
Zane Smith exited the vehicle under his own power after this incident late at @kansasspeedway. pic.twitter.com/vbF4OXvROl
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 28, 2025
