Just when it seemed like everything was off to a good start, RFK Racing’s Ryan Preece instead succumbed to an early defeat on just the second lap of the Cup Series All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway. Ahead of his entrance into turn 2, a massive multiple-car pileup erupted, including Gilliland, Larson, Elliott, Blaney, Suarez, Custer, Nemechek, and McDowell. Unaware of what happened ahead of him, Preece forcefully backed into the wall at turn 1 and turned sideways, attempting to avoid getting caught up.

What transpired next could only be described as something seen in a movie. The No. 60 Ford burst into flames, with Preece quickly scrambling to climb out of the driver’s side, smoke billowing as a silent grandstand full of worried fans looked on. These types of incidents are what no driver ever wants to encounter in their professional racing career. But at a track as tight as Dover, coupled with its arduous concrete surface and high 24-degree banking, it’s almost inevitable.

Preece was taken to the Speedway’s infield care center and given a clean bill of health, with no injuries from the incident. Afterward, he spoke to FOX Sports race correspondent Jamie Little, assuring onlookers and those back home that he was fine. “I’m fine, but I seem to take big hits,” he told Little. Before Little could muster her next question. Preece added, “But no, I don’t know what happened. Obviously, I got to see a replay, but if it was anything, it was probably close on my part. Going into turn 1, and just got sideways, if it was my fault, I’m sorry.”

Preece wrapped up the interview with Little, explaining that it was tough not to finish the race, especially so early in lap 1. Though his day ended early, some hope still exists for others caught up in the pileup, such as Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson, who, instead of hitting the wall, were pushed behind it. Pending the damage, if the cars are deemed okay by the garage to return to the track, they may be able to make it back in time to complete the first run. Once the extent of the damage to the No. 5 and No. 2 cars is determined by their respective crews, officials will decide whether they can return to the track.

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