The latter sent Austin Dillon spinning at the bus stop chicane, causing those behind to slam on the brakes. Euro NASCAR champion Loris Hezeman – one of six non-Americans taking part, a series record – jinked left to avoid the slowing cars, shoving an innocent Räikkönen straight into the barriers.
Though the Finn’s promising day had come to a premature end, the 2007 F1 champion was positive about the race.
“I thought I had a good line there but everybody seemed to come [to] the left. Unfortunately, I had no time to react,” explained Räikkönen after the collision.
“The first impact, somebody hit the tyre or the wheel directly and the [steering] wheel spun. There is something wrong with the wrist, but that’s how it goes.
“It was good fun, you know? I felt more confidence all the time and had some good battles and yeah, it’s a shame. The car felt like it had a lot of speed in there but that’s how it goes sometimes.”
The Finn replied with a wry laugh when asked if he might get back behind a NASCAR wheel in the future: “We’ll see. I don’t know.”
Räikkönen ran as high as eighth before later being taken out
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Räikkönen’s earlier sparring partner Elliot looked set to take the win before a late safety car restart saw reigning champion Kyle Larson punt AJ Allmendinger into the former.
Larson claimed victory, as a disgruntled Elliot came home fourth.
NASCAR’s particularly international weekend – by its standards – also included former F1 racer Daniil Kvyat, who finished 36th and 25 laps down after with mechanical issues, and former Le Mans-winner and DTM champion Mike Rockenfeller, who came home 30th.