By Seth Eggert, Staff Writer
DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. – The NextEra Energy Resources 250 lasted 15 laps for Ty Majeski before he barrel-rolled in the No. 45 Plan B Sales Chevrolet Silverado.
The Niece Motorsports driver hugged the double-yellow line as others ran two and three-wide around him. The increasing intensity at the end of stage one left Majeski seeking a safe position on track. A bad bump from Todd Gilliland to Austin Wayne Self changed all that for the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series rookie.
Self slid up the track before losing control. He spun down the track and clobbered the passenger door of Majeski’s Chevrolet. The impact sent the No. 45 on its side. Before the truck could tumble down the frontstretch, Majeski was hit in the cab by Tate Fogleman. In total, nine trucks were caught in the melee.
“I thought it was pretty safe on the bottom,” admitted Majeski. “I actually got free off of turn four. I’m not sure what happened there. I had to catch it. That created a little bit of chaos and they fanned out. I guess the guy got loose on the outside of me and hooked himself.
“Unfortunate to be in that position early on. I wish we could be out there racing, finish the race, but that’s the product of this racing. I’ll move forward and I’ll go get him next week in Vegas.”
The second impact sent the No. 45 skidding on its’ roof all the way to turn one. The truck’s roll cage held up, protecting the Seymour, WI native. The truck never rolled back and Majeski had to wait for rescue from the safety crews. Majeski’s slide down the track wore through the roof of the truck.
Majeski simply braced himself for further impacts as his truck slide down the track.
“I was just trying to protect myself and brace myself in case another truck came in and hit me. So, I’m just trying to stay calm and keep myself braced and, hang on for the ride.”
The next NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series race is the Strat 250 on Feb. 21 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.