Shocking Nascar Pit Stop Disaster: Mechanic Hit by Catapulted Tire in Near-Death Moment!
JP Kealey was hospitalized after getting hit
NASCAR produced a terrifying moment in its race last weekend.
While racing at Pocono Raceway, a tire was flung into a pit crew member accidentally.
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A Nascar tire changer was nailed by an errant tire over the weekendCredit: X/KauligRacing
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JP Kealey was hospitalized with his injuriesCredit: X/KauligRacing
JP Kealey works as a tire changer for Trackhouse driver Shane Van Gisbergen.
However, things went downhill quickly when fellow Trackhouse driver AJ Allmendinger came in at the same time for a stop.
Allmendinger came into his pit box too fast, sliding across the pavement and knocking a tire out of a pit crew member’s hands.
That tire went flying towards Kealey and struck him hard.
The impact jammed his air gun directly into the side of his body.
Kealey is a former pro lacross player, and was left doubled over in pain before ultimately fighting through the pain.
Despite being able to finish the job, Kealey was forced to go to the hospital following the game.
It was revealed by Skip Flores of the Stacking Pennies podcast that he suffered two broken ribs.
Kealey also later revealed that his injuries included a partially collapsed lung.
The footage of the incident is terrifying, and Nascar fans shared how tough Kealey was for getting his job done.
“Scary moment there on pit road,” one fan said.
“These guys are STUDS. Insane,” another fan said.
“Man that guy is a baller for finishing the pit stop anyway,” a third fan said.
“Nascar pit team tough WOW,” a fourth fan said.
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“Tough, super athletes. His ribs are sore,” a fifth fan said.
The rough moment on pit lane was ultimately a sign of what was to come during the race.
Van Gisbergen ended up finishing 31st at The Great American Getaway 400.
Noel “Bud” MIller Jr will fill in as his tire changer for the Quaker State 400 this weekend.
