Navigating through the perils of the tracks can be intimidating. It tends to get more difficult when you happen to be on the receiving end and yet the blame settles on you. This is the feeling that Buddy KoFoid resonated with recently after he met with a rather unfortunate incident on tracks.  Michael “Buddy” Kofoid, a two-time USAC National Midget champion, is one of the top contenders in the Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink.

However, this time he did meet with a rather frightening incident on track that left him taking a cheeky dig at a rival. 

KoFoid describes on-track crash as a ‘bad slider’

KoFoid secured a runner-up finish during last year’s drive and this year he has returned behind the wheels of the No. 71 car for Keith Kunz Motorsports Curb-Agajanian. Kofoid had honed his skills under the mentorship of Kyle Busch and made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut at the 2022 Pinty’s Truck Race on Dirt. During this season, he drove for Kyle Busch Motorsports. However, the synchrony of the race did not turn out the way he had anticipated. During Qualifier 2 at the Chili Bowl Nationals, KoFoid tangled with Corbin Rueschenberg. KoFoid, who was in the second position, ended up causing major damage to the fences that required immediate assistance for the betterment of his car. 

Rauschenberg’s decision to stay just two feet from KoFoid seemed to set the stage for the crash that ensued. Reflecting on the incident, KoFoid didn’t hold back, remarking, “Not that it was on purpose, not saying he did on purpose or I did on purpose, but everyone will bring up an incident from the outlaws earlier in the year, but he is still running 4th. I was hung in the fence, hung in the fence crashed. It’s just, I look left and he’s already 2 feet away from me and then I’m crashed.” The comments subtly pointed fingers, suggesting the proximity was far from coincidental. In spite of the calm tone, it seemed as though KoFoid’s disappointment with the proximity that could have been the major reason behind this crash was apparent.

Fence repair from teams around ensured that the car was on track for completion of the Qualifier 2 run. Speaking of the intensity of the crash, KoFoid said, “In the heat of the moment, I was actually pretty numb, if that makes sense. I just went mad and kind of in disbelief of what happened cause I feel like, in my career I have never had anything that I wanna say blatant, but that bad of a slider thrown on me where I get wiped out and people say I have ran into people, wiped’em out before and I agree with it”. 

The crash was particularly spine-chilling due to the sheer force of the impact. After all, the car completely turned over on the tracks and came to a halt. The momentum that the car carried also sent KoFoid crashing into the fence at high speed. The violent nature of the collision, combined with the immediate need for repairs, made it clear just how close he came to a far worse outcome.

Michael KoFoid was able to regain his momentum on the track and ended the race in third position. Despite salvaging a third-place finish, Kofoid admitted the crash left a lingering frustration, as he felt the incident disrupted what could have been a smooth path to victory.

KaFoid had a winning legacy just two weeks back

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While this sudden crash on the track might pose a major deterrent to the driver, KaFoid tasted success just a few weeks ago. Before his Chili Bowl Nationals participation, he made it to midget racing. California’s rising star, Michael “Buddy” Kofoid, secured consecutive victories in the 30-lap International Midget Car feature. This was at the Baypark Speedway. 

The 23-year-old, who was recently honored as the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Rookie of the Year, delivered a flawless performance in the uninterrupted race. He ended up crossing the finish line ahead of his fellow competitor Logan Seavey. His impeccable driving also ensured that he was able to cross over Michael Pickens who is a ten-time champion. 

Reflecting on his victory, KaFoid said, “I felt we got better each time we were out on track. The direction we found with the car meant I could run top, middle or bottom. When the track has a lot of character like that, you need to have that kind of manoeuvrability”. This adaptability and precision continue to solidify Kofoid’s reputation as one of the most versatile and promising talents in midget racing.