LAS VEGAS, Nev.: Harrison Burton walked away from a hard crash in final practice for the NASCAR Cup Series at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway, however, the incident will force the Wood Brothers Racing team to a backup machine for Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube.
Burton in the No. 21 Ford Mustang was heading down the frontstretch at full song when fluid began to gush from the right-front of the vehicle and spew onto his right side-tires.
As he entered Turn 1 without any traction, Burton’s car began to slide before it overcorrected and slammed into the outside wall head-on.
The sophomore Cup Series driver quickly radioed to his team that he was OK and was evaluated and released from the infield care center.
His Wood Brothers Racing team has opted for a backup vehicle for the third NASCAR Cup Series race of the season and will not post a qualifying lap.
“I don’t know,” said Burton when asked about the accident. “I went sideways really quickly. I looked at my dash, because I had water temp flash hot… looked down and then back up to go in the corner, and as soon as I turned in, it was really sideways. I don’t know if that’s what happened or not.
“I’d like to see it before I say that. I want to at least know it wasn’t my fault before I say, ‘Yeah, a tire went down.’ That’s an easy excuse. That sucks so bad.”
Before the accident, Burton said he had a decent primary car.
“I felt like we had a decent car – fired off OK with a lot of grip,” he added. “Then all of a sudden, there wasn’t. Pretty upset I guess. I feel fine. It was definitely a hard hit. Anytime you get head-on with that speed, it doesn’t feel great.
“But I feel fine – just wish I could have that corner back. I don’t know what exactly caused it, but I wish I had a chance to avoid it. I guess that’s part of it.”
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01 or email at: [email protected].
