The Zane Smith Kansas Speedway incident during Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series playoffs race left a noticeable mark on the track, with officials confirming a deep gouge in the racing surface. The issue occurred in overtime after John Hunter Nemechek collided with Smith, resulting in Smith’s car spinning out and flipping in turn three and four.
Significant Track Damage After Crash
The accident unfolded while Bubba Wallace and Christopher Bell fought for the lead position. According to Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft,
They’re saying there’s a big gouge in the track, a couple inches right before the Ally sign in the center in (turns) three and four, up top.
– Freddie Kraft, Spotter
The gouge was significant enough to prompt immediate concern among officials about the safety and integrity of Kansas Speedway’s surface following the Zane Smith Kansas Speedway incident. The damage occurred at a critical point on the track, where the action was most intense during the overtime session.
Drivers React and Implications for the Race
Wallace reacted with humor to the developing situation by stating, “It’s unsafe, call it. Done.” He implied that a race stoppage could have worked in his favor, advancing him to the next playoff round if the outcome was decided at that moment. However, officials continued the race, and concerns about track safety were the primary focus.
Looking Ahead After the Incident
The aftermath of the Zane Smith Kansas Speedway incident has prompted closer scrutiny of track conditions for future NASCAR Cup Series events. As repairs are anticipated and drivers remain alert, what happened may influence decisions on race management and safety protocols at major venues like Kansas Speedway.
Freddie Kraft: "They're saying there's a big gouge in the track, a couple inches right before the Ally sign in the center in (turns) three and four, up top."
Bubba Wallace: "It's unsafe, call it. Done."
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) September 28, 2025
