DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – It only took 40 minutes, but we got a glimpse of the possible carnage to come at Daytona Speedweeks during the first practice session of the season.
While the pack of cars were racing in Turn 4, a multi-car wrecked triggered when Tony Stewart hit Kurt Busch as they were drafting. AJ Allmendinger, Brad Keselowski, Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. were all caught up in the accident.
"Sorry guys, that was my fault," Stewart said over his team radio according to SPEED's Steve Byrnes.
The accident was especially damaging for Kurt Busch, who had the best 10-lap average speed (196.340 mph) of all drivers - suggesting he had a quality car for Saturday night's exhibition race.
"The guys in front of me just got together, that's just the way it is," Keselowski said. "It's better that it happened now then next Sunday."
Stewart was evaluated and released from the infield care center shortly after the incident.
Matt Kenseth was quickest overall in the 45-minute practice for Saturday's Budweiser Shootout (8 p.m. ET on FOX), setting a fast lap of 201.762 mph.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.