Xfinity Series driver Derrike Cope was taking part in a NASCAR event when something suddenly exploded under the bonnet.
The bizarre explosion at Watkins Glen International left officials dumbfounded, with even driver Cope (who was thankfully uninjured) admitting he had “never experienced anything like that” in some 35 years or racing.
So, what caused the explosion? Well, NASCAR technical inspectors said it was all down to tyre failure, adding that the “smoke” seen rising from the vehicle was, in fact, likely brake dust.
Thanks to a broken spindle, excess heat built up in the tyre. But since Cope had slowed right down, airflow to the tyre was reduced, which essentially caused the tyre to “roast”.