Chase Johnson came to Sonoma Raceway hoping for a weekend surrounded by friends and racing. But just hours after the checkered flag waved, the sprint car driver and paralysis survivor became the center of a disturbing incident that has shaken the NASCAR world. With Johnson still recovering from a 2024 crash that left him in a wheelchair, a security confrontation on pit road escalated into violence—raising serious questions about safety, accessibility, and accountability.
Key Highlights
Chase Johnson was flipped out of his wheelchair by a security guard at Sonoma Raceway.
The July 13 incident resulted in new or aggravated spinal injuries, including a C1 crack.
Eyewitnesses allege the guard made ableist remarks and refused to call a supervisor.
NASCAR has not issued a public comment as of July 16, 2025.
The motorsports community has demanded improved disability protocols at events.
A Collision of Miscommunication and Harm
According to multiple eyewitnesses and Johnson’s team, the incident began when Johnson and his partner tried to exit the track via pit road. They had proper credentials and were following instructions from one security guard. But at the end of pit road, a different guard intervened, allegedly refusing them passage and insisting they were not permitted through, despite allowing others with identical passes.
Tensions grew after the second guard reportedly refused to call a supervisor. Several witnesses said the guard then made an ableist comment, criticizing Johnson’s mobility status before physically shoving his wheelchair hard enough to flip it backwards. The impact knocked Johnson unconscious for roughly 15 seconds as his head struck the pavement.
Medical Consequences Confirmed
Trackside medical teams were quick to respond. Johnson was initially stabilized at the infield care center and then transported to a local hospital in Santa Rosa. There, a CT and MRI scan revealed a 5mm crack in his C1 vertebra along with swelling in his C6 and T2 vertebrae—findings that doctors say could either be new or aggravations of his 2024 spinal injuries.
He was discharged the following morning and instructed to wear a neck brace for several weeks. In addition to his medical issues, his personal wheelchair was damaged in the fall, adding further complications to his recovery.
Shock, Anger, and Calls for Accountability
The incident immediately caused outrage within the motorsports community. Witnesses described scenes of confusion and disbelief as the violent push occurred in full view of others on pit road. Fans, drivers, and advocates voiced concerns online, demanding accountability from track officials and NASCAR leadership.
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office was involved on-site. However, as of July 16, NASCAR has not released any formal statement regarding the incident or any potential disciplinary action.
Johnson’s team initially posted a detailed statement about the assault but later removed it, citing legal advice. Nonetheless, the account confirmed the basic facts and emphasized both the physical and emotional trauma caused by the event.
A Tipping Point for Accessibility in NASCAR
Beyond the immediate harm, this incident has become a rallying point for disability advocates within racing. Questions are being raised about event protocol, staff training, and what systems are in place to protect disabled guests—especially in areas like pit road where movement is strictly regulated.
The pressure is now on both Sonoma Raceway and NASCAR to take visible steps to investigate what happened and enact reforms. Many insiders believe that new accessibility standards could result from this moment, especially as fans continue to push for transparency and justice for Johnson.
“What kind of lunatic pushes a guy in a wheelchair.”
“How is he even working as a security guard with a prior assault conviction?”
“A security guard had a prior assault charge? I am shocked.” – NASCAR fans reaction
News in Brief: Assault Allegations Raise Questions About NASCAR Security
Chase Johnson, a sprint car driver left wheelchair-bound after a 2024 crash, was injured in a violent incident during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series weekend at Sonoma Raceway. While exiting pit road with proper credentials, Johnson was denied passage by a second security guard, who allegedly made ableist remarks and then shoved Johnson’s wheelchair, flipping it backward. Johnson was knocked unconscious and later diagnosed with a crack in his C1 vertebra and spinal swelling. The event has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for NASCAR and Sonoma Raceway to improve accessibility protocols and accountability for disabled attendees at major racing events.
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