WATCH: Sammy Smith’s pit crew member engulfs in flames during a pit stop at the Phoenix Championship finale

Being a pit crew member is exceptionally demanding, requiring speed, precision, composure, and resilience under immense pressure.

WATCH: Sammy Smith’s pit crew member engulfs in flames during a pit stop at the Phoenix Championship finale

Sammy Smith's pit crew set on fire in the Phoenix pit road (Credits: X)

In NASCAR, pit crews perform their high-stakes ballet of speed and precision. But every once in a while, the pit road becomes a battleground for more than just tires and fuel. It’s where bravery and dedication take the front seat, even in the face of unexpected chaos. Such was the case at the Xfinity Series championship race at the Phoenix Raceway; a pit crew member of Sammy Smith’s from Joe Gibbs Racing was engulfed in flames.

With five laps to go, Derek Kraus had a flat tire and was screeching his wheel metal, triggering the fifth caution in the race. And like everyone, Sammy Smith came into the pit for a routine stop, and the crew swiftly began their work. However, a critical moment turned terrifying when spilled fuel ignited, causing a fire that engulfed Smith’s pit crew member, Ryan Zuck.

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Zuck’s firesuit caught fire, but what sets this moment apart is his extraordinary response. Instead of panicking, he remained remarkably calm and continued performing his duties, trying to complete the pit stop. However, as the flames intensified, the heat became unbearable, and Zuck eventually had to seek assistance from the fire safety crew. 

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JGR has confirmed that the pit crew member is safe with a tweet that read:

Pit Crew member Ryan Zuck was engulfed in a frightening fire on pit road, but after being checked out at the Care Center, and a fire suit change, he’s back in the race, ready for the next stop.

Ryan Zuck asserts that he just tried to “finish the job”

In an interview with FrontStretch, Zuck recounted the heart-pounding experience. When asked about his well-being, He responded he is in good condition but sustained a minor burn on his face and thighs, but aside from that, he confirmed that he is fine. It was undeniably frightening. He said:

 I tried to finish the job, but it got too hot for me, so thankfully, the fire crew was there on time and sprayed it down pretty well.
Ryan Zuck after being released from the health centre
Ryan Zuck after being released from the health center (Credits: X)

Zuck’s account of the incident shed light on the rapid sequence of events. He noticed the potential danger when the gas man unplugged something. Then, in the blink of an eye, the pit road became a fiery inferno. He explained the sudden ignition, his struggle to complete the task in intense heat, and his prior experiences. His words demonstrated his resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges.

The 4 drivers in the Championship 4, Cole Custer, John Hunter Nemechek, Justin Allgaier, and Sam Mayer, battled fiercely for the championship title until the last lap. The race featured intense competition and several late restarts, ultimately leading to Custer’s victory as the Xfinity Series champion, marking a significant achievement for Stewart-Haas Racing. It was an exciting and hard-fought race, with Custer securing his first Xfinity Series championship.

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