Pit Crew Members Uninjured After Multi-Car Crash at Gateway
A chain-reaction crash on pit road during the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Gateway involved 11 drivers. Pit crew members for Brent Crews' No. 19 car narrowly escaped injury as cars slid toward them. No crew members reported injuries despite the scary incident.
The incident unfolded on Lap 48 when William Sawalich slowed while approaching his pit stall, causing the cars behind him to stack up. Nick Sanchez's Chevrolet was struck from behind and lifted, sending him and Rajah Caruth sliding toward the No. 19 pit stall where Brent Crews' crew worked on the right-side tires.
The crew members—Brad Donaghy, Bryan Backus, and Matt Wilps—were pushed or struck by the sliding cars but escaped serious harm. A gap between the two spinning cars shielded them. Of the 11 drivers involved, only Sanchez and Harrison Burton were forced out of the race with damage.
This incident highlights the inherent vulnerability of pit crews, who work in close proximity to moving race cars with limited escape options. While no injuries occurred here, the near-miss could prompt series officials to review pit road protocols, such as speed limits or stall positioning. Fans and teams may feel heightened concern about crew safety, potentially leading to rule changes that affect race strategy and pit stop timing across the sport.