A scary accident ahead of NASCAR’s All-Star Race left one pit crew member hospitalized after he reportedly jumped in to protect a FOX Sports reporter from an out-of-control pit cart.
The frightening moment happened during preparations for the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race weekend when Daniel Suarez’s tire carrier, Dalton Williams, was injured while trying to shield FOX Sports reporter Amanda Busick from a runaway pit cart.
According to reports, the pit cart was being pushed down a hill when it suddenly picked up speed and appeared headed directly toward Busick.
Williams reportedly stepped in front of the moving cart in an effort to protect her and took the impact himself.
The incident was serious enough that Williams had to be transported to a hospital and briefly delayed Cup Series practice on Friday while emergency crews escorted an ambulance out of the infield.
Thankfully, Williams was later released from the hospital, but he will not be able to participate in either the Pit Crew Challenge or Sunday’s All-Star Race because of his injuries.
As a result, Andrew Egnarski has been promoted to serve as tire carrier for Daniel Suarez during the race weekend.
Meanwhile, Jarius Morehead will fill in for Egnarski on Rajah Caruth’s No. 88 car.
The dramatic incident happened just before one of NASCAR’s biggest exhibition events of the year.
This year’s All-Star Race features a 350-lap showdown with 26 drivers battling for a massive $1 million prize.
The event has become one of NASCAR’s most iconic traditions and will now take place at Dover International Speedway after previously being held at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Despite the chaos earlier in the day, practice eventually resumed, with Kyle Larson posting the fastest lap of the session.
Larson clocked a speed of 157.950 mph in his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, narrowly edging out Michael McDowell for the top spot.
Denny Hamlin finished third-fastest, while Kyle Busch and Ty Gibbs rounded out the top five.
Qualifying for the All-Star Race includes multiple laps and a four-tire pit stop competition that helps determine the winner of the fan-favorite Pit Crew Challenge.
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race is set for Sunday, May 17.