Five Of The Wildest NASCAR Fires From This Decade

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Feb 27, 2012; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series safety crews work to put out a fire from a jet drier that was hit by driver Juan Pablo Montoya (not pictured) under caution during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. The race is being run on Monday for the first time in the 54 year history of the race due to rain. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

February 2012: Daytona 500 Jet Dryer Fire

NASCAR fans’ jaws collectively dropped when Juan Pablo Montoya smashed a jet dryer under caution, sending a ball of fire into the sky at the Daytona 500. What made it more of a spectacle was the fact that it was a postponed race that ran into the night, a perfect setting for fireworks.

200 gallons of jet fuel spilled onto the track, which crews quickly tried to clean. Before much time passed, though, something sparked and lit the entire pool of fuel running down the track. Flames arose deep into the night air. A lengthy delay ensued, adding even more time to the already heavily delayed race.

Montoya’s reputation may have been damaged, but no one was physically hurt. Some might argue that he saved his reputation after returning to IndyCar and winning the Indy 500 in 2015.

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