NASCAR driver's feet "engulfed in flames" in frantic escape

Matt DiBenedetto was very thankful after escaping a fiery incident unscathed on Saturday. The veteran driver was running 22nd in the No. 99 Viking Motorsports Chevrolet when he suddenly pulled into the grass on the final lap of Stage 1.

The car came to a stop, and DiBenedetto seemed almost frantic as he climbed from the car, falling to the ground. He then sat there, removing his racing shoes and checking his feet.

Watch: DiBenedetto checked, released from care center after fire

After being checked and released from the infield care center, DiBenedetto revealed exactly what was going on inside the race car.

“There was a big fire at my feet,” DiBenedetto explained to The CW. “All of sudden, my feet were getting really hot. I looked down and they’re engulfed in flames. I pulled off and tried to get out really quick and in a hurry, because they were fully on fire. And when I was getting out, one of the laces of my shoes got wrapped around the pedals, so I went to get out and I was actually stuck.

Matt DiBenedetto

Photo by: NASCAR

“Feet were directly in the flames and I’m super thankful for these heat shields and all the safety gear that we have in these cars. But they were burning and melting. I prayed on the third attempt getting out for God to get me out of that thing, and thankful I got out on that last try.”

DiBenedetto even showed the burnt remains of his footwear, but thankfully, he suffered no burns in the incident. Even more surprisingly, he later returned to the race, finishing 34th.

Photos from Portland – Race

Portland – Saturday, in photos

NASCAR driver’s feet “engulfed in flames” in frantic escape

Tags: