It wasn't long after a dramatic last-lap crash Saturday at Daytona International Speedway injured 33 spectators that a fan's first-hand video with all the makings of a scary movie appeared online.
Cheering spectators. A sudden accident. Frantic moments. Then, the chilling reveal of a nearly 70-pound tire resting in the grandstands.
Warning: This video contains profanity at the 32-second mark.
Cheering spectators. A sudden accident. Frantic moments. Then, the chilling reveal of a nearly 70-pound tire resting in the grandstands.
Warning: This video contains profanity at the 32-second mark.
It was an unimaginable scene that unfolded at the season-opening Nationwide Series race, where rookie driver Kyle Larson went airborne into the fence, sending debris as high and as far as the upper deck. The entire front end was sheared off Larson's car, and his burning engine wedged through a gaping hole in the fence. Fans can be seen waving for help as emergency crews made their way into the seats.
Yet NASCAR officials acted quickly to remove the video from YouTube, citing copyright infrigments.
"The fan video of the wreck on the final lap of today's NASCAR Nationwide Series race was blocked on YouTube out of respect for those injured in today's accident," NASCAR senior vice president Steve Phelps said Saturday. "Information on the status of those fans was unclear and the decision was made to err on the side of caution with this very serious incident."
YouTube re-posted the fan's video late Saturday night, saying it did not violate any copyright laws.
peedway President Joie Chitwood said 14 fans were treated on site, and 14 others were taken to hospitals. Chitwood didn't give any updates on their conditions. Local officials said 19 fans were taken to neighboring hospitals, including two who were in critical condition but were later upgraded to stable.
Sunday's Daytona 500 race is expected to go on as planned, assuming the weather cooperates.
Chitwood says workers repaired a section of fence about 200 feet from the start-finish line, the area shredded by Larson's car, which crashed through the barrier that separates the cars from the track.
Chitwood says if any fans are uncomfortable with their up-close seating for Sunday's race, officials will work to move them.
Yet NASCAR officials acted quickly to remove the video from YouTube, citing copyright infrigments.
"The fan video of the wreck on the final lap of today's NASCAR Nationwide Series race was blocked on YouTube out of respect for those injured in today's accident," NASCAR senior vice president Steve Phelps said Saturday. "Information on the status of those fans was unclear and the decision was made to err on the side of caution with this very serious incident."
YouTube re-posted the fan's video late Saturday night, saying it did not violate any copyright laws.
peedway President Joie Chitwood said 14 fans were treated on site, and 14 others were taken to hospitals. Chitwood didn't give any updates on their conditions. Local officials said 19 fans were taken to neighboring hospitals, including two who were in critical condition but were later upgraded to stable.
Sunday's Daytona 500 race is expected to go on as planned, assuming the weather cooperates.
Chitwood says workers repaired a section of fence about 200 feet from the start-finish line, the area shredded by Larson's car, which crashed through the barrier that separates the cars from the track.
Chitwood says if any fans are uncomfortable with their up-close seating for Sunday's race, officials will work to move them.
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