Ten racing fans were injured and three of them required hospitalization Sunday at the Coca-Cola 600, according to NASCAR, after a nylon rope supporting a Fox Sports television camera snapped and fell to the surface of the racetrack.
Charlotte Motor Speedway president of communications Scott Cooper said the three fans taken to the hospital were treated and released the same day; he also said he could not disclose the nature of their injuries due to privacy laws. The other seven injured race watchers were treated for minor cuts and bruises, according to reports.
Fox Sports said in a statement, "Our immediate concern is with the injured fans," and admitted they still do not know what caused the cable to snap. Usage of that particular camera has been suspended for the time being. "The camera itself did not come down because guide ropes acted as designed," Fox said in the statement. "A full investigation is planned, and use of the camera is suspended indefinitely."
The race was halted for 27 minutes thanks to the snapped "drive rope." In another statement, Fox Sports said, "We certainly regret that the system failure affected tonight's event, we apologize to the racers whose cars were damaged, and our immediate concern is for the race fans," Fox said in the statement. "We also offer a sincere thank you to the staff at CMS for attending to the injuries and keeping us informed on this developing situation."
In another bizarre turn at the Coca-Cola 600, popular female driver Danica Patrick was wrecked by her boyfriend, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. "I just cut Danica off," Keselowski said. "I didn't know she was still down there and I caused a big wreck. ... I cut her off and wrecked her and myself. I feel bad for her and I send my apologies to her."
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