Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart has shared an update on social media after suffering a huge crash with Doug Kalitta in the second round of ‘Countdown to the Championship’ at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pennsylvania.
The pair collided after Kalitta won the second round with a staggering 335 mph run. After crossing the finish line, Kalitta’s front left tire blew which left him crashing into Stewart.
“I just wanted to thank all of our fans, teammates, and most of all our racing family for checking on us yesterday. Wasn’t the day we had planned, but thankful to the @NHRA Safety Safari and Dr. Surface for making sure we did all the right things in that situation.
“It definitely could have been way worse. Everyone that climbs into a racecar knows it can happen at any moment, but it’s a great example of how we’re all human and how the entire racing community cares for each other. I’m sore today, but that’s to be expected.
“Can’t wait to get back to the track Friday and continue this amazing battle for a World Championship.”
NHRA released the following statement at the time of the crash:
“During the second round of Top Fuel eliminations on Sunday at Maple Grove Raceway, Doug Kalitta’s dragster crossed the center line past the finish line and collided with Tony Stewart’s dragster in the left lane.
“Stewart’s dragster went on its side, came back down on its wheels and struck the left guard wall before coming to a stop, while Kalitta’s dragster went back over the center line before coming to a stop. Both Stewart and Kalitta were alert and exited their cars under their own power.”
Fans were initially concerned as Stewart revealed he didn’t remember anything from the crash.
He explained to FOX Sports 1 at the time: “I don’t have a damn clue, honestly. I honestly don’t remember any of it. The first thing I remember, they’re waking me up here. Not sure what happened, but it appears to have been pretty massive. Looking at Doug’s car and my car, I’m glad PBRC builds our cars, because we have safe race cars, obviously.
“I’m as curious as everybody else as to what happened. I just know that we’re not where we’re supposed to be at the end of a run here. So, just confused. I got one hell of a headache and banged my left hand up. But I’ve been through sprint car crashes way worse than this, I’m pretty sure. We’re good. We’re good. We’re fine. I promise we’re fine.”
Stewart will return for the 4-Wide Carolina Nationals in North Carolina from 18-21 September.