READING, PA — NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart was involved in a frightening crash during a drag racing event on Sunday at Maple Grove Raceway, but was uninjured and able to walk away from the wreck.
Stewart, a Columbus, Indiana native, was competing in the NHRA Drag Racing Series when his Top Fuel Dragster collided with that of fellow driver Doug Kalitta. During the second round of eliminations, after Kalitta’s dragster won the race, his front left tire malfunctioned, causing his vehicle to cross the centerline and strike Stewart’s car.
According to a statement from the NHRA, the impact caused Stewart’s dragster to go onto its side before righting itself and hitting the left guard wall. Kalitta’s vehicle also crossed the centerline before coming to a stop.
Both drivers were able to exit their vehicles under their own power and were examined on-site by the NHRA Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Surface, before being released.
Speaking after the incident, Stewart admitted he had no memory of the crash itself. “I don’t have a damn clue, honestly,” he said. “I don’t remember any of it. The first thing I remember, they’re waking me up here.”
A four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the 53-year-old Stewart retired from full-time NASCAR driving in 2016 but continues to be an active presence in the racing world, most recently celebrating a championship win in the NHRA.
