The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series rolled into the streets of San Diego on June 20 for a highly anticipated event that drew a packed field of competitors.
Sam Mayer, piloting his entry, entered turn one on lap 35 of a restart with a misjudged entry that sent his car careening into the inside wall before ricocheting into the outside barrier at near‑full speed.
The impact ripped a section of the temporary concrete wall, buckled the catchfence, and scattered debris across the track, prompting an immediate red‑flag condition.
The Immediate Aftermath: Red Flags and Repair Efforts
NASCAR officials waved the red flag, and track crews mobilized to address the damaged barrier, while two cranes were positioned near pit road to assist in the reconstruction work.
During the cleanup, a manhole cover dislodged on the opening lap had buried itself in Corey Day’s radiator, forcing the driver to receive repairs under the red‑flag period while NASCAR welded two covers to restore his laps.
The race featured six cautions and two red‑flag periods within the first 35 laps, underscoring the volatility of the event and the extensive repairs required before competition could resume.