In the final moments of the Kansas race, during a two-lap overtime restart, Zane Smith experienced a terrifying flips wreck that led to an immediate red flag. The incident occurred as Smith’s car made violent contact with the wall, causing it to turn vertical along the outside before flipping down onto the track. Fortunately, Smith managed to land on all four wheels and safely exit his vehicle, receiving applause from fans for his survival in this harrowing crash.
Chain Reaction: Contact With John Hunter Nemechek Led to Wreck
The collision began when John Hunter Nemechek bumped Smith near the wall. Smith’s car gripped the wall’s surface and slid several hundred feet in a precarious vertical position before tumbling back onto the track. The impact was severe, resulting in major damage to Smith’s vehicle and the track itself, which raised concerns about the race’s continuation.
Team Reacts Angrily to Incident
Following the crash, Smith’s team immediately expressed frustration over Nemechek’s role in the collision through the team radio. Once Smith had safely exited his car, a voice on the radio exclaimed,
“The f*cking 42 drove in there and f*cking cleaned us out,”
as reported by Kelly Crandall. The anger was palpable given the severity of the wreck and its cost to Smith’s race day.
Zane Smith Speaks Out After Medical Checkup
After receiving evaluation at the infield care center, Smith joined the USA broadcast crew to recount the event. He admitted his frustration and described the incident as a chaotic and upsetting moment in a strong day of racing.
“It was a wild ride, no doubt. Just, yeah, before I knew it I had a decent restart going and then I mean I just get wrecked by the 42,”
Smith said.
“I mean just drives through me. Then yeah, I was sliding on the wall. I was just mad at that point from how our day was going and this just pi–ed me off even more, because that’s what really hurt was just flipping down the track.”
Smith also reflected on the lost opportunity, adding,
“Violent, no doubt. … Just a bummer. Right before that caution came out we were going to have a top-10 day racing up inside the top 10 the majority of the day. It’s a shame that it has to come to an end that way.”
Track Damage Puts Race’s Second Restart in Doubt
As Smith was treated, NASCAR officials examined the damage caused by the crash. The wreck left a significant gouge in the surface near the Ally sign between turns three and four, raising safety concerns about continuing with another overtime restart.
During the delay, race leader Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, relayed radio messages about the damaged section. Kraft informed Wallace,
“They’re saying there’s a big gouge in the track, a couple inches right before the Ally sign in the center in (turns) three and four, up top,”
which prompted Wallace to request the race be halted, stating,
“It’s unsafe, call it, Done.”
Implications for Race Outcome and Playoff Progression
This wreck not only eliminated Smith from contention during a crucial stage but also threatened to end the race prematurely due to the track damage, affecting playoff scenarios. Wallace stood to benefit if the race were called off immediately, potentially securing a playoff berth by maintaining his lead.
The incident highlighted how rapidly fortunes can change on the track, where split-second decisions and contact can reshape the competitive landscape. Fans and teams alike remain on edge as officials decide the safest path forward in the aftermath of this dramatic, tense conclusion at Kansas.
ZANE SMITH FLIPS pic.twitter.com/qQg47gS1uA
— Rubbin is Racing (@rubbinisracing) September 28, 2025
Zane Smith radio: "The fucking 42 drove in there and fucking cleaned us out."
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) September 28, 2025
Freddie Kraft: "They're saying there's a big gouge in the track, a couple inches right before the Ally sign in the center in (turns) three and four, up top."
Bubba Wallace: "It's unsafe, call it. Done."
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) September 28, 2025
