NASCAR driver stood with assistance after taking huge hit to driver door at St. Louis

21:21 ET, Mon, Sep 14, 2026 Updated: 21:22 ET, Mon, Sep 14, 2026

From the source Smith's Lap 131 incident ended his race (Image: X @STaranto92)

Rising NASCAR Cup star Zane Smith took one of the hardest hits of the afternoon during the Enjoy Illinois 300, and the effects of the wall-crashing impact showed up immediately after his race ended.

The NASCAR driver suffered a frightening crash on Lap 131 at World Wide Technology Raceway last Sunday after a brake failure sent his No. 38 Ford hard into the outside wall entering Turn 1.

The impact struck heavily toward the driver's side and left Smith visibly shaken inside the damaged car. Motorsports workers reached him quickly, and he eventually needed assistance to stand up normally before walking away from the wreck.

The FRM team understandably declined to speak to the media, while NASCAR's USA Network social media feed reported that Smith was awake and alert after the crash.

Smith later confirmed the cause himself on Instagram after the race. He wrote, "Brake failure this weekend, Scary one to say the least. All good and ready for Bristol!"

NASCAR race details, team updates, results and opinion plus selected offers and competitions

I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express US featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family.

You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info.

The update brought relief after the crash originally left fans fearing how badly he might have been hurt. One fan called it the "hardest hit I’ve ever filmed," while another wrote, "So thankful you’re all good and ready to rip at Bristol! That was a hard hit!"

Another supporter said they had started to "freak out" after hearing how violently Smith hit the wall near their seats. Others described the wreck as "wicked" and admitted feeling genuine concern for his life while watching it live.

Smith's message confirmed he is expected to compete in the next Cup race at Bristol. The crash ended his afternoon in 36th after he started 12th and completed 129 laps.

Zane Smith's injury at Gateway left him needing standing assistance (Image: Getty)

Smith was not the only driver hit by brake trouble. Ryan Blaney also suffered a brake failure just a few laps later while running sixth and warned his team over the radio that he had no brakes before reaching the wall.

The violent nature of Smith’s hit prompted some fans to speculate that Truck Series driver Layne Riggs could be called upon if Smith was unable to race at Bristol.

Kyle Larson ultimately won the Enjoy Illinois 300, while Smith's crash destroyed the No. 38. Eight races remain on the NASCAR calendar, with the Bass Pro Shops Night race set for Sept. 19.