Marco Andretti’s first Truck race of 2024 concluded with a dramatic accident just two laps before the end of the race. During the event, the rear axle of his Chevy became dislodged, resulting in a chaotic scene on the track. This incident stands out as one of the wildest in recent years for NASCAR, particularly in the Xfinity Series ace at COTA. The Roper Racing No. 04 Chevrolet Silverado fell victim to this unfortunate mishap, as the driver hoped to finish the day on a positive note. However, fate had different plans in store.
As the race neared its conclusion, the entire rear axle of the Chevy Truck detached, causing the two tires and the axle itself to roll across the infield grass. Despite the comedic nature of this sight, the driver emerged from the accident unscathed, without any significant injuries. Unfortunately, the car sustained severe damage, requiring the marshals to tow it back to the garage.
Marco Andretti, after experiencing a Did Not Finish (DNF) due to the accident, received a P31 finish. Meanwhile, the leader at the time of the incident, driving the No:11 Tundra for Toyota, secured the victory. This race marked Andretti’s first NASCAR top-tier race of the 2024 season, but the rough start has placed his NASCAR dreams in a precarious position at the age of 37.
Fans on social media engaged in discussions surrounding both the serious and amusing aspects of the incident. Many expressed relief that Andretti emerged unharmed, as the incident could have resulted in a more severe accident if the rear axle had remained on the track and another racer had made contact with it.
Tricon Garage, a prominent Toyota Truck team in the garage, provided an interesting reaction to the incident. They shared a video of the incident, accompanied by the comment, “didn’t know Boeing had a truck series entry.” This playful remark alludes to Boeing, the aviation manufacturing giant that has recently faced scrutiny for subpar construction quality.
Jokes and comments from fans and commentators further highlighted the incident. Some referenced the loose rear axle, while others humorously suggested that the incident might be sponsored by Boeing. However, beneath the humor lies a serious issue that NASCAR must investigate. The incident could have had dire consequences, and it is crucial to prevent such absurd incidents from occurring in future races.