During the final laps at Kansas Speedway on Sunday, Zane Smith experienced a dramatic and violent crash caused by contact with John Hunter Nemechek, marking a frustrating end to his race. The John Hunter Nemechek incident left Smith’s car sliding along the wall, flipping before coming to rest on the apron, casting a shadow over his day.
Details of the Collision and Smith’s Reaction
As the leaders prepared to take the white flag in the closing stage, Smith and Nemechek made contact in Turns 3 and 4, sending Smith into the wall. After the impact, Smith’s car slid and flipped violently down the track before stopping on the apron. Smith described the experience as intense and frustrating, expressing anger at Nemechek for causing the wreck and ending his chances of a strong finish.
It was a wild ride, no doubt,
Smith told NBC Sports.
“I had a decent restart going and I just get wrecked by the 42. He just drives through me and then I was sliding on the wall. I was just mad at that point from how our day was going and this just pissed me off even more because that’s what really hurt was just flipping down the track.”
– Zane Smith, NASCAR driver
Race Outcome and Season Context for Smith
Despite the crash, Smith was able to exit his vehicle on his own at the scene. He ultimately was credited with a 31st-place finish, narrowly ahead of Nemechek. This race added to an inconsistent season for Smith with Front Row Motorsports, where he has earned four top-10 finishes but has averaged 20.9 in race placement.
It was violent, no doubt, but we had such a fast Speedy Cash Ford today. It’s just a bummer. Right before that caution came out, we were gonna have a top 10 day, racing up inside the top 10 a majority of the day and it’s a shame that it has to come to an end that way.
– Zane Smith, NASCAR driver
Incident’s Impact and What Lies Ahead
The John Hunter Nemechek incident not only disrupted Smith’s race but also intensified tensions between drivers as the season progresses. With both drivers ending near the back of the field and Smith expressing clear frustration, this crash highlights the high stakes and competitive pressures at Kansas Speedway. Fans and teams alike will be watching how Smith recovers in upcoming races and whether this incident sparks further rivalry on the circuit.
This story continues to develop as teams analyze the crash and strategize for the future.
Zane Smith exited the vehicle under his own power after this incident late at @kansasspeedway. pic.twitter.com/vbF4OXvROl
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 28, 2025
