Zane Smith was at the center of a harrowing moment during Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway, as his car flipped twice following contact with another competitor. Despite the intensity and danger of the Zane Smith Kansas crash, he was able to exit his No. 38 Ford without significant injuries, according to officials.
The incident took place late in the event, capturing the attention of spectators and the NASCAR community. As Smith’s Ford skidded on its side along the outside wall and rolled over, safety protocols were immediately enacted, with NASCAR soon confirming via a video shared on X that Smith got out on his own. The broadcast showed his battered car coming to a rest as emergency crews responded swiftly.
“Zane Smith exited the vehicle under his own power after this incident late at @kansasspeedway”
NASCAR, official account
Collision with John Hunter Nemechek Sparks Dramatic Crash
The crash was triggered when John Hunter Nemechek‘s car made significant contact with Smith’s vehicle, causing Smith to lose control and strike the outside wall. The force of the impact tipped Smith’s car onto its side, sending it sliding before it violently rolled over. Eventually, the Ford settled back upright, allowing Smith to climb out unassisted.
This collision occurred as the field entered a critical overtime restart. Smith, who had positioned himself for a promising finish, saw his hopes dashed in a split second after the contact, which also involved competitors like Josh Berry and Ty Gibbs. Emergency crews arrived promptly, and the race was placed under a red flag for around nine minutes so safety officials and engineers could thoroughly assess the damage and ensure the safety of all involved.
Driver Reaction: Intense Frustration and Relief
Fox Sports and NBC Sports both reported on Smith’s immediate response to the event. Deeply disappointed by how quickly fortune changed, Smith detailed his emotions following the crash, referencing his interaction with Nemechek’s car and the intense impact that followed.
“It was a wild ride, no doubt. I had a decent restart going and I just get wrecked by the 42. He just drives through me and then I was sliding on the wall. I was just mad at that point from how our day was going and this just pissed me off even more because that’s what really hurt was just flipping down the track. It was violent, no doubt.”
Zane Smith, NASCAR driver, via NASCAR.com
The crash marked a frustrating end to an otherwise competitive day for Smith. He later explained that the team had been inside the top 10 for much of the contest and was disappointed by the abrupt conclusion brought on by the overtime accident.
“Right before that caution came out, we were gonna have a top-10 day, racing up inside the top 10 a majority of the day, and it’s a shame that it has to come to an end that way,”
Zane Smith, NASCAR driver, via NASCAR.com
Safety Crews and Track Officials Respond
The aftermath saw safety teams examining the scene and performing checks to confirm all drivers were uninjured. Engineers assessed the battered Ford and the wall where the incident occurred, noting damage to the racing surface and a visible gouge left by Smith’s car, though the fencing remained intact. NASCAR officials later gave Front Row Motorsports permission to bring Smith’s car back to their workshop for further inspections to verify all safety systems functioned as intended during the wreck.
Other drivers involved, including John Hunter Nemechek and Josh Berry, were unable to continue in the event, while Ty Gibbs managed to keep racing. The incident left Smith classified in 31st place by the checkered flag.
Implications for Smith and Front Row Motorsports
This marks the second full NASCAR Cup Series season for Zane Smith with Front Row Motorsports, where he currently holds the 27th position in the overall standings. The Kansas crash, though jarring, did not alter his playoff status, as Smith did not make the cut for this year’s postseason field. Despite the setback, both Smith’s measured response and the quick work by officials and engineers underscored the effectiveness of modern safety measures in NASCAR and the resilience of its drivers.
The wreck at Kansas Speedway, witnessed by fans both at the track and following updates from outlets including Fox Sports and NBC Sports, highlights the unpredictable and dangerous nature of racing at this level. As Smith and Front Row Motorsports look ahead, attention will now turn to both the technical review of the car and planning for upcoming races, while officials continue to analyze the incident for future safety improvements.
Zane Smith exited the vehicle under his own power after this incident late at @kansasspeedway. pic.twitter.com/vbF4OXvROl
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 28, 2025
