(Lead photo: twitter/@JasonToy) If there is one sincerely scary thought, it is of a random metal object with weight flying towards a speeding race car, aimed squarely at the driver. No good can come out of a situation like that, and it is simply by sheer luck that NASCAR’s Jaime Dick can tell you just how horrifying it truly can be. Dick was running practice laps at Iowa Speedway when a piece of metal ballast left Ross Chastain’s car and flew straight into Dick’s car, taking care of the hood, cowl, and polycarbonate windshield before smacking Dick right in the visor.
Photo: twitter.com/@MRNRadio
Average practice speeds were hovering in the 120-135 MPH range, so you can calculate just how bad this could have really been. Dick was uninjured, telling the Des Moines Register, “”It was a decent hit. Good thing I was wearing a helmet, that’s what it’s for. I feel fine. I could definitely feel it.” A recent rule change for the Xfinity Series to run half-inch thick windshields instead of 3/8″ surely had to help as well. Meanwhile, Chastain took to Twitter to apologize. “On behalf of myself and everybody at JD Motorsports, I want to apologize to Jaime and everyone at Viva Motorsports. Words don’t mean much right now but I’ll do everything I can to make this right and changes will be made on our end. Right now I’m just glad my friend is alright.”
There is no word yet on whether or not Chastain will be fined or punished for the incident.
(Courtesy: Black Flag)
