Remember 2022 when Ross Chastain brought the unseen factor to NASCAR? Well, this year, as the laps dwindled down and the stakes shot up, we thought we might not see the unseen again. But were we in for a surprise? Martinsville Speedway, known for its short-track thrills and troubles, played host to the championship 4 decider. With only two spots up for grabs and six talented drivers vying for glory, the Sunday race promised to be a nail-biter from start to finish.
As the race weekend kicked off, the pace car was the new darling, gaining more traction than a Hollywood starlet at a red carpet-event. The pink Chevy was ready to shine, but come race day, it took a pit stop on the outside lane.
Wacky NASCAR race weekend as pink Chevy causes mayhem on track
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The penultimate race excitement began in Stage 1 when Joe Gibbs Racing‘s ace, Denny Hamlin, stormed to the front. Stage 2 saw Penske’s sole hope, Ryan Blaney, showcasing his prowess. The battle at the front was intense, with the Championship 4 outlook evolving with each passing lap.
As the drivers rolled into Stage 3, it was anyone’s game, and tensions were higher than ever. But mayhem ensued when Michael McDowell spun out in Turn 2, triggering a caution. This caution signaled the entry of the pace car onto the 0.5 mile.
The Pink Chevy Camaro, typically relegated to the role of the pace car, took center stage as it was brought out to raise awareness for the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” campaign. In partnership with the American Cancer Society, Chevrolet launched its annual “Painting the Curbs Pink” event, pledging to donate $350 for every lap led by the pink pace car.
However, life on the track is unpredictable, and the pace car faced its own share of challenges. In a bizarre turn of events, the pink pace car broke down in Turn 1, forcing a track cleanup truck to take command of the field during the caution period. The drivers were seen crawling behind the new leader, left unsure of what to do, keeping a watchful eye on the stranded Chevy.
HAVE YOU EVER?!
The pace car needed a tow truck. 😆 #NASCAR | NBC pic.twitter.com/LL9BRAoQ4q
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 29, 2023
The fans in the stands didn’t let this unforeseen twist dampen their spirits. The Martinsville Speedway echoed with cheers and applause as the pace car was towed off.
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Online fans couldn’t contain their amusement and astonishment as Twitter became a hub of reactions during the unexpected turn of events on track. “That’s going to be a DNF,” one fan commented on the pace car’s unlikely breakdown, humorously acknowledging the absurdity of such a situation in a race.
Another exclaimed, “This race has everything,” and “We’re one photo finish away from this being a certified classic now,” realizing that amidst the chaos, a timeless race might be in the making. “Just when you think you’ve seen it all,” one fan pondered, as another commenter remarked, acknowledging the rarity of a pace car mishap, “You don’t see that every day.”
“Things you have never seen before!” one fan marveled, embracing the unpredictability of motorsport. Another exclaimed, “Oh, what in the world. Here we go.”
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Things you have never seen before! pic.twitter.com/vZ3AuL8foP
— Chad Blankenship (@CBlank_ISU) October 29, 2023
“Well, that wasn’t on the list of things I expected to see today…,” a commentator mused, highlighting the race’s sheer unpredictability. And finally, a fan simply couldn’t contain their laughter, exclaiming, “Lmaooo what?” in response to the bizarre turn of events.
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As the backup pace car rolled onto the track and the laps continued to wind down, the high stakes of the race took center stage yet again.