“We have found a flaw in the mud flaps!”
On Saturday, the NASCAR Truck Series took the green flag in Austin, Texas. The road course at Circuit of the Americas hosted the XPEL 225.
Watch the NASCAR burnout video below.
Zane Smith pitted off strategy from the race leaders. And a caution, gifted him the race lead, cycling him to the front.
Smith held off a charge from NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch. He held him at bay, winning on the road course at COTA.
After the win, Zane Smith pulled it nose first to the pit wall. He then stood on the gas, doing a massive burnout for the crowd.
After the 30 second smoke show, Smith climbed from his machine. And 15 second later, the truck ignited!
The fire began toward the mud flap area of the machine. Both sides ignited.
The safety team was quick to the scene. With extinguishers on both sides, they were able to put out the flames.
Mud flaps are a somewhat new piece in NASCAR. The flaps are in use at any track that uses the rain racing package, that includes all road courses which would race in the rain.
There was no rain on the radar for this weekend. However, teams are still required to have all the pieces installed and be ready in the case of weather.
Kevin Harvick knocks NASCAR mud flaps
“Ah, we found a good reason to never put those mud flaps on there again,” Kevin Harvick stated from the broadcast booth.
“They’re not fireproof. Both of them are on fire!”
Harvick added, “We have found a flaw in the mud flaps!”
Zane Smith comments after the fire
“Catching on fire in victory lane, that’s a first for me,” Zane Smith told Fox Sports.
“Man, that’s a bummer right there.”
“The strategy, putting us on the front row and Kyle back there, just perfect. I enjoy coming to all the road courses, especially here.”
“That was probably the most hectic victory lane celebrations I’ve ever had.”
Smith concluded, “I apologize for catching the truck on fire in victory lane.”
COTA Race Results: March 25, 2023 (NASCAR Truck Series)
