RCR crew member released from hospital after pit road fire
Brendan Gaughan's rear tire changer, Anthony O'Brien, has been released from a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, Richard Childress Racing announced late Monday evening.
During Friday's XFINITY Series race at Richmond International Raceway, O'Brien was engulfed in flames along with gas man Josh Wittman and Clifford Turner, a crew member on Eric McClure's team.
The incident occurred during a pit stop when the team had switched from the right side of the car to the left. When the lug nuts came off the left rear tire, a spark ignited fuel that was spilled and caused the large fireball.
Turner was released from the hospital Friday night, while Wittman was released Saturday night.
In a statement released Saturday, RCR thanked NASCAR, track officials and the safety equipment in place.
"The Sparco safety equipment, including the crew members' firesuits, did its job in protecting them. We thank the NASCAR community for their continued support," the statement read.
