NASCAR star Shane van Gisbergen has walked away from a multiple car crash at a dirt track speedway meeting at Auckland in his native New Zealand.
Van Gisbergen, who drives the No. 88 Chevrolet ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, was competing in the dirt track speedway meeting when the crash occurred.
According to eyewitnesses, van Gisbergen's car was involved in a collision with several other vehicles, resulting in a spectacular crash that sent shockwaves through the motorsport community.
Miraculously, van Gisbergen emerged from the wreckage uninjured, much to the relief of his fans and team.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about safety in motorsport, with many calling for improved safety measures to be implemented at dirt track speedway meetings.
Van Gisbergen's lucky escape is a testament to the safety features of his vehicle, as well as the quick response of the emergency services who were on hand to assist.
The NASCAR star is expected to make a full recovery and return to competition in the near future.
Van Gisbergen's team, Trackhouse Racing, has released a statement confirming that their driver is safe and uninjured, and that they are currently assessing the damage to his vehicle.
The incident has also raised questions about the risks involved in competing in multiple forms of motorsport, with van Gisbergen being one of several drivers who compete in both NASCAR and dirt track speedway events.
As the motorsport community breathes a collective sigh of relief, attention will now turn to the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series events, where van Gisbergen will be looking to get back behind the wheel and compete at the highest level.