Drivers are once again being reminded of why Sonoma Raceway in Northern California continues to be one of the hardest stops on the calendar as NASCAR gets ready for another challenging weekend there. Mechanical problems can soon become hazardous due to severe braking zones, abrupt elevation changes, and little room for mistakes. During the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series practice session, Austin Green experienced a horrific brake failure that resulted in a tremendous accident, putting that reality on full display. Fortunately, though, the young driver escaped unscathed.
Brake failure sends Austin Green into massive Sonoma impact
Austin Green’s practice session came to an abrupt and frightening end when the driver of the No. 87 Peterson Racing Chevrolet suffered a brake failure entering the tight Turn 11 hairpin at Sonoma Raceway. Tire bundles flew over the runoff area when Green crashed head-on into the tire barrier at great speed since he had no means to slow down the vehicle. The impact was so strong that the Chevrolet pushed the concrete retaining wall backward and dug beneath parts of the barrier.
Despite the violence of the crash, the biggest relief came moments later. Green quickly climbed from the wrecked car under his own power and was transported to the infield care center for evaluation. After being checked by medical personnel, the 25-year-old was released. Green expressed gratitude for both NASCAR’s modern safety advancements and the medical team that assisted him following the incident.
Green had been putting together a strong session before the collision. At the time of the brake problem, he had finished ten laps and was ranked 22nd on the speed tables. Officials had to pause the practice for over thirty minutes due to the substantial damage to the barrier, which necessitated a lengthy cleanup effort. Practice restarted with around fifteen minutes left…