Fans remember Nationwide Race crash one year later

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Saturday's Nationwide Race at Daytona International Speedway brought in fans from across the country.

For some it was their first time to the legendary track, but for others Speedweeks is a tradition.

The fans who came back this year couldn’t help but remember the wreck that happened last year when Kyle Larson’s car flew into the catch fence, causing debris and a tire to rain down on fans.

“It happened too quick, we didn’t have a chance to do anything, there was debris flying,” said spectator Ron May.

About 30 people were injured during the crash.

Some have filed lawsuits and are still recovering.

During practice last Wednesday another wreck peeled back part of the fence nearby.

Fans told Channel 9’s Anthony DiLorenzo they’ve taken note of the reinforcements made to the catch fence, which includes a new cable system that was installed last year.

“We were noticing some crossover gates and they’re reinforced differently,” May said.

Whitnery Turner, 34, said she was emotional as she watched Saturday’s Nationwide Race from her home in Indiana.

Turner was one of the dozens of spectators hit by shrapnel during the race last year.

She nearly lost her leg when debris shot into the stands.

It took five surgeries to repair the injuries.

“It was terrifying because I didn’t know if I would ever see my daughter again,” Turner said. “I was there to have fun. I was thinking that this is a horrible way to die.”

Turner is one of several injured fans represented by Morgan and Morgan, the law firm suing for damages associated with the crash.

WFTV