Crash during Daytona Nationwide race sends debris into crowd

As cars were barreling toward the checkered flag for the finish of the DRIVE4COPD 300 Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway, a wild wreck ensued that saw Kyle Larson flip wildly into the front stretch grandstand.

The accident was so violent that the engine of Larson's Chevrolet ended up in the grandstand itself, smoldering and on fire.

At the time of the incident, the leaders were running three-wide as they had done for the majority of the afternoon and contact from another car turned Larson into the wall and into the path of the field.

Larson was able to walk away unscathed, but there is no word on whether any spectators were injured in the aftermath. Jeff Gluck reports medical personnel were working on fans in the grandstands:

Seen two fans removed on backboards so far. Medics still working on some fans in stands. We can hear sirens now.

— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 23, 2013

Tony Stewart went on to win the season-opening race for the seventh time in his career, which moved him into a tie with the late Dale Earnhardt for most Nationwide victories at Daytona.

More from SB Nation:

• Full coverage of 2013 Daytona 500

• The List: 20 sentences guaranteed to start an Internet argument

• Full coverage of UFC 157: Rousey vs. Carmouche

• NFL Combine: Fat linemen running the 40 will inspire you

• Stupid things said at the NFL Combine