During the opening lap of NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series United Rentals Driven to Serve 250, Corey Day was unfortunate to strike a utility cover that had come loose following two days of racing activity on the operational Naval Base Coronado track.
“We’ve got a manhole cover stuck in our radiator,” Adam Wall radioed to Corey Day as the incident unfolded.
The utility cover, roughly half the size of a standard manhole cover, had been dislodged and astonishingly flew straight into the centre of Corey Day’s grille, piercing the radiator and causing immediate damage.
Day had started the event from the back of the pack in a backup car after colliding with the wall during Friday afternoon’s qualifying session. The No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports team was permitted to replace the damaged radiator within the open work area. NASCAR granted an exception to its regulation stating that “the same radiator must be used at all times during an Event,” since the damage resulted from a track-related issue, as reported by Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass.
After five laps conducted under caution, NASCAR was compelled to halt the race with a red flag so that the dislodged utility cover could be re-welded into place. Meanwhile, Day’s crew was allowed to continue working on the car while track repairs were underway.
During the red flag period, NASCAR dispatched officials around the full 3.4-mile temporary street circuit to inspect for any additional loose manholes.
Mike Ford, Vice President of Racing Communications, confirmed that during this inspection, another loose utility cover was found at turn six and was subsequently re-welded to secure it properly.
The No. 17 team managed to complete all necessary repairs before the red flag period ended. Initially, NASCAR credited Day with completing one lap, which would have placed him four laps down once racing resumed.
However, NASCAR later revised its decision, allowing Corey Day to complete four laps alone under caution to make up the difference and rejoin the field with the same level of tyre wear as the other competitors.
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