NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Jamie Dick avoided injury when a piece of metal sailed into his car - either through the windshield or side window - during Saturday morning’s practice at Iowa Speedway, according to a report by the Des Moines Register.
This is Dick’s first weekend back in the series since being diagnosed with diabetes in March.
“It was a decent hit,’' Dick told the Des Moines Register. “Good thing I was wearing a helmet, that’s what it’s for. I feel fine. I could definitely feel it.”
The paper reported that the piece of metal was either lead or tungsten that teams use to add extra weight to their stock cars but was not properly secured.
“All the spacers and lead started coming out,” Dick told the newspaper. “I dodged the spacers, but I didn’t dodge the lead.”
Ross Chastain tweeted that the debris came from his car. He tweeted: “On behalf of myself and everybody at JD Motorsports, I want to apologize to Jamie and everyone at Viva Motorsports. Words don’t mean much now but I’ll do everything I can to make this right and changes will be made on our end. Right now I’m just glad my friend is alright.”
Dick was forced to go to a backup car.
Here is a closer look at the damage to @JamieDickRacing car #AskMRN pic.twitter.com/DNGhK3Iv47
— Jason Toy (@JasonToy1) May 16, 2015
One more look at @JamieDickRacing car after the impact. Jamie is good and the team has pulled out the backup #AskMRN pic.twitter.com/ECvLg8uFwu
— Jason Toy (@JasonToy1) May 16, 2015
What Jamie Dick said after being struck in the helmet by a piece metal flying at over 100 mph. http://t.co/2WS6FTPeuQ pic.twitter.com/fhYG3Cs2wE
— Chad Leistikow (@ChadLeistikow) May 16, 2015
How close a call for @JamieDickRacing? Look at his helmet visor. #AskMRN pic.twitter.com/XbgymFsHfe
— Motor Racing Network (@MRNRadio) May 16, 2015