Worst NASCAR Crashes at Bristol Motor Speedway: Danica Patrick is Among the Many Victims at ‘The Last Great Colosseum’

This weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series drivers will compete at the Bristol Motor Speedway. The iconic venue has been on the Cup calendar since 1961 and has been a mainstay. Of course, over the long period of its history, the racetrack has borne witness to fairly robust racing. With a track, half a mile long, it can just about squeeze in a 40-car field. Owing to the short nature of the track, there have been plenty of big wrecks. Among the casualties are Danica Patrick, Kyle Petty, Michael Waltrip, and many more.

Currently, the drivers are gearing up for the final race of the opening Playoff round. With two spots locked in, the other Playoff contenders will be more than eager to seal their own berths. Owing to the added pressure, there will definitely be increased aggression and desperation. That, in turn, can lead to more contact and torn-up cars, which certainly not be new to the track, which is also known as ‘The Last Great Colosseum’.

Ward Burton punts an unsuspecting Kyle Petty

Back in 2003, Robby Gordon and Ward Burton were tussling for a position at Bristol. At one point, both drivers got side-by-side and there was inevitable contact between the duo. Burton lost out and slid towards the inside wall and hit it headfirst. The #22 car continued to slide down the apron and rejoined the track. Unfortunately, just as he did so, Kyle Petty was just passing by. Naturally, the unsuspecting #45 driver was punted straight into the wall and it was race over.

Michael Waltrip’s car was ripped to shreds

All the way back in 1990, there was a frightening incident involving Michael Waltrip. As per some replays, his car began to slide at Turn 2 and then crashed into the outside wall. The impact was so bad that the car was nearly ripped in half and was practically a carcass. Fortunately, he was alright, though his brother Darrell Waltrip confessed that he was petrified when he saw the wreck.

Mike Harmon’s car goes up in flames

Back in 2002, Mike Harmon endured a frightening crash at the Bristol Motor Speedway. On exiting the corner, he appeared to spear straight into the concrete wall on the outside. The impact not only crunched his car but allowed it to catch fire in the process. To make matters worse, Johnny Sauter was right behind him and had nowhere to go, except to clip the mangled car. Fortunately, both drivers were able to walk away with their lives and race another day.

READ MORE: Track Analysis: What Makes the Bristol Motor Speedway a Great Hunting Ground for Kyle Larson?

Landon Cassill goes on a wild ride at the Bristol Motor Speedway

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In 2014, Landon Cassill was racing at the Bristol Motor Speedway when he crashed out. As he headed into a corner, the rear end of his car stepped out and one of his rear wheels popped out. The car then pitched into the wall and it was game over for the #40 driver. His car was too badly damaged to continue on, and he was forced to head for an early shower.

Danica Patrick gets tagged out at Bristol Motor Speedway

While battling for position, the #10 of Danica Patrick got spun around by Regan Smith in the #78 car. Both drivers were side-by-side for a bit until Patrick edged ahead on the track. Unfortunately, her left rear caught the right front of Smith and she spun towards the inside wall. To make matters worse, she hit it nose first, crunching her hood and her race was done.

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