73-year-old NASCAR driver Norm Benning exited Friday's Truck Series race at Talladega Superspeedway in dramatic fashion when his vehicle went up in flames.
Benning - racing in the No. 6 Chevrolet for his own team, Norm Benning Racing - was in 32nd position on lap 65 out of 90 when smoke began to billow from the back of his truck, with huge flames on the underside of the vehicle quickly following.
Fortunately, Benning pulled up on the inside of the track quickly and was able to exit the car under his own power, with NASCAR medical officials once again doing an incredible job and being on hand to assist him from thereon in.
Asked about how he was feeling after the incident, Benning explained to FOX Sports Bob Pockrass: "A little smoke inhalation in the right lung.
"I've gotta go back in the morning for some treatments, but I've never been in an explosion like that.
"That whole bottom into that engine must have just came apart and filled up with fire and smoke."
Benning added: "I've never got out of a race car so fast in my life. I had the net down and the belts loose before I got stopped and just got out of there as quick as I could."
Benning needing $75,000
Whilst he escaped relatively unscathed, the same could not be said for his truck, with the No. 6 Chevrolet's engine destroyed in the incident.
This has left Benning seeking a huge sum in order to get it fixed ahead of the next superspeedway event at Daytona next season, and speaking on pit road, the 73-year-old revealed he is hoping someone can come along and help him do it.
Despite his age, Benning feels physically able to continue racing, but the damage to his engine could now be a barrier unless someone helps him out.
"What can I say, I’m physically able to do it, and I was running really good, and here we are!" Benning continued.
"So I hope somebody comes along that will help us replace this engine."
When quizzed on the cost of this, Benning replied bluntly: "$75,000."
In the same interview, the 73-year-old also confirmed that he will race once again at Martinsville next weekend, with a different truck set to be used at that event.
