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Horrifying crash at Daytona exposes risks to fans

Topics: From the Wires,

Horrifying crash at Daytona exposes risks to fansEmergency workers check on fans in the stands after a crash on the final lap of the NASCAR Nationwide Series auto race Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. At least 11 fans were injured when large chunks of debris, including a tire, sailed into the grandstands when a car flew into the fence. (AP Photo/David Graham)(Credit: AP)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The risk of racing extends beyond the drivers.

Fans can wind up in the danger zone, too.

A horrifying crash on the last lap of a race at Daytona International Speedway injured more than 30 fans Saturday and provided another stark reminder of what can happen when a car going nearly 200 mph is suddenly launched toward the grandstands.

The victims were sprayed with large chunks of debris — including a tire — after rookie Kyle Larson’s machine careened into the fencing that is designed to protect the massive stands lining NASCAR’s most famous track.

Shannan Devine witnessed the crash from about 250 feet away. She says, “I love the sport. I love the speed of the sport. But no one wants to get hurt over it.”

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