NASCAR star Zane Smith is forced to apologize to his team after celebrating his victory in a burnout on the track, only for the car to catch fire!
NASCAR star Zane Smith saw his success literally go up in flames on Saturday afternoon, when a series of failed celebrations went awry.
Smith became NASCAR’s first repeat winner at the Circuit of the Americas, beating Kyle Busch in the process, and marked his victory with some usual late-race fatigue.
Unfortunately for the 23-year-old Californian, however, as he got out of the truck to give his team a hug, it quickly became apparent that his vehicle was on fire.
His smile quickly faded to a worried look as sheriffs rushed over to extinguish the fire, but the winner’s truck was badly damaged.
Speaking to FOX Sports after the remarkable incident, Smith said: “Aside from setting himself on fire in the win, it was a first for me.”
Winner Zane Smith jumped out of his truck to celebrate but quickly realized it was on fire.
Sheriffs had to run quickly to extinguish the flames, but there was significant damage.
Smith’s car entered pit lane in perfect condition, but that soon changed with the fire.
Such was the damage that the Ford had to be towed away, despite having won the race.
“Man, that’s a bummer right there… that’s easily the most eventful victory lane celebration I’ve ever had and I apologize for setting the truck on fire in victory lane.”
The Front Row Motorsports vehicle was later damaged so badly that it had to be towed off the track.
Meanwhile, in the race, Smith led the final 15 laps, the best 16 of 42 total laps, and crossed the finish line with an impressive 5.451-second lead over two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Busch.
The win makes the Smith’s Front Row Motorsports team a perfect 3-for-3 in CRAFTSMAN Truck Series racing on COTA. Todd Gilliland won the 2021 inaugural here.
Smith is seen before the race is presented to the crowd at the Circuit of the Americas.
The Californian celebrates with his girlfriend McCall Gaulding after winning the race
Ford driver Ty Majeski, Toyota’s Tyler Ankrum and last year’s NASCAR Cup COTA winner Ross Chastain in a Chevrolet rounded out the top five.
It’s the second win of the year for Smith, who also won the season opener at Daytona, the same first two wins he had in his 2022 championship season.
“Thanks to Chris Lawson for an amazing strategy,” Smith said.
‘Very good for (sponsors) Speedco, Peak and all our partners. He was fast when it mattered. I enjoy coming to all the racetracks, especially here. Very cool. Just a true testimonial to this team.