The first truck race of Marco Andretti in 2024 ended with a dramatic accident just two laps before the end of the race. During the event, the rear axle of his Chevy came loose, resulting in a chaotic scene on the track. This incident stands out as one of the wildest in recent years for NASCAR, especially in the Xfinity series at COTA. The Roper Racing Chevrolet Silverado No. 04 fell victim to this unfortunate mishap, while the driver hoped to finish the day on a positive note. However, fate had different plans.
As the race neared its end, the entire rear axle of the Chevy truck came loose, causing both tires and the axle itself to roll through the grass on the inside of the track. Despite the comedic nature of this sight, the driver emerged unscathed from the accident, with no significant injuries. Unfortunately, the car suffered severe damage, requiring officials to tow it back to the garage.
Marco Andretti, after suffering a “Did Not Finish” (DNF) due to the accident, finished in 31st place. Meanwhile, the leader at the time of the incident, driving the Toyota Tundra No. 11, secured the victory. This race marked Andretti’s first high-level NASCAR race of the 2024 season, but the rough start put his NASCAR dreams in a precarious position at 37 years old.
Fans on social media engaged in discussions about the serious and humorous aspects of the incident. Many expressed relief that Andretti emerged unharmed, as the incident could have led to a more serious accident if the rear axle had remained on the track and another driver had made contact with it.
The Tricon Garage, a prominent Toyota truck team in the paddock, had an interesting reaction to the incident. They shared a video of the incident, accompanied by the comment: “didn’t know Boeing had an entry in the truck series”. This playful remark alludes to Boeing, the aviation manufacturing giant that has recently faced criticism for substandard construction quality.
Jokes and comments from fans and commentators also highlighted the incident. Some mentioned the loose rear axle, while others humorously suggested that the incident could be sponsored by Boeing. However, behind the humor, there is a serious issue that NASCAR must investigate. The incident could have had serious consequences, and it is crucial to prevent such absurd incidents from occurring in future races.
