The race at Watkins Glen on Saturday in the NASCAR Xfinity Series involved considerable drama. Within the same team, drivers made contact while competing for the top spot, and Austin Hill, back from a one-race suspension for aggressive maneuvers, triggered a major pile-up.
As Michael McDowell and Hill fought for the second position, they both drifted wide as they exited the carousel. Approaching the edge of the track, Hill attempted to move alongside McDowell as the barrier drew near.
The two vehicles crashed, propelling McDowell into the barrier on the track’s left side. The No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet veered sharply across the course, striking the opposite barrier and momentarily lifting off the ground. The wrecked car then spun back across the track, causing a large wreck that blocked the racing surface.
Several cars found themselves with nowhere to go, while others failed to decelerate sufficiently, leading to an even larger collision. More than a dozen drivers were involved, with their damaged vehicles strewn across the track, prompting a red flag with eight laps remaining.
Significant repairs were needed on the barrier as numerous cars were removed from the crash site. The red flag lasted for over 45 minutes. McDowell, William Sawalich, Josh Bilicki, Ryan Sieg, Kyle Sieg, and Ryan Ellis were among those who could not continue due to the damage sustained.
During the break, The CW interviewed Hill about the incident while he remained in his race car.
“For the most part, I managed to get to the right side of other drivers, but this time I ended up on his left,” Hill explained. “I thought it might work. We don’t have many spotters around here, of course. I’m not sure if he has a spotter for that carousel corner, maybe not. But as soon as I noticed he was staying close to the grass, I probably should have backed off. That was entirely my fault, just a driving error. I was pushing it here. The #88 was pulling away from us, and I felt I needed to make a move on the #11 as quickly as possible. Many cars were destroyed, which is really unfortunate.”
Watch: Hill discusses McDowell incident, admitting ‘Definitely on me’
Thankfully, all racers were examined and released from the infield medical facility.
“It seemed like he [Hill] just kept trying to push me, and it’s clear he was never going to get alongside,” McDowell said. “I was already at the limit. He wasn’t even beside me. He simply turned me. So, it’s a shame. I feel terrible for everyone at Kaulig Racing.
Photos from Watkins Glen – Race
Sammy Smith, JR Motorsprots Chevrolet
Sammy Smith, JR Motorsprots Chevrolet
Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet
Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet
Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Sam Mayer, Haas Factory Team Ford
Sam Mayer, Haas Factory Team Ford
Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Sammy Smith, JR Motorsprots Chevrolet
Sammy Smith, JR Motorsprots Chevrolet
Chris Graythen – Getty Images
Harrison Burton, AM Racing Ford
Harrison Burton, AM Racing Ford
Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Carson Kapvil, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Carson Kapvil, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Chris Graythen – Getty Images
Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet
Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet
Chris Graythen – Getty Images
Daniel Dye, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
Daniel Dye, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Chris Graythen – Getty Images
Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet
Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet
Chris Graythen – Getty Images
Sheldon Creed, Haas Factory Team Ford
