Multi-car crash at Dover triggers red flag and fire in NASCAR All-Star Race

A multi-car crash on the second lap of the NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway on Sunday triggered a red flag and sent one car bursting into flames, immediately scrambling the high-stakes exhibition event.

The incident began when Ryan Preece, Todd Gilliland, and Kyle Larson made contact entering Turn 1. The chain-reaction pileup collected several other drivers, including past All-Star winners and series champions Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott, as well as Daniel Suarez, John Hunter Nemechek, Cole Custer, and Michael McDowell. The most dramatic moment came when Preece’s No. 60 Ford slammed into the outside wall, causing the rear of the car to erupt in flames. Preece climbed from the vehicle unscathed and was evaluated and released from the infield care center.

Speaking afterward, Preece said he was unsure what caused the initial contact but accepted responsibility. He stated that if it was his fault, he was sorry, adding it was a tough way to end a race so early.

The crash occurred just after the start of the first of two 75-lap segments in the event’s revised format, which featured 36 cars. The field is set to be trimmed to 26 drivers for a final 200-lap segment. The...