McMurray, Gilliland, Allgaier knocked out of Kansas Sprint Cup race after fiery crashes

Joplin native Jamie McMurray, David Gilliland and Justin Allgaier were sent to the infield treatment center after two separate fiery crashes knocked the three drivers out of Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Kansas Speedway.

McMurray, of Joplin, Mo., was running in fourth place Saturday before his right rear tire blew out, ending his night after only 149 laps.

“I’m not 100 percent sure (what happened),” McMurray said. “I just entered turn three, and I heard a small pop and then just lost all the steering and got into the fence.”

McMurray said he had no problem with the tires throughout the weekend, and his crew chief, Keith Rodden, reported no wear issues during any of his stops.

“I don’t know if it’s just a bad tire, or if I ran over something,” McMurray said “Just lost all the air and ended up crashing.”

A half hour later, a six-car accident resulted in another fiery crash.

A.J. Allmendinger got loose during the 186th lap, then bumped Allgaier, who slid back across the track before being crushed by Gilliland.

“That is one of the hardest hits I have had in a while,” Gilliland said. “Hopefully it will be the hardest one for awhile to come, too. I am fine though — just ready to get on to it.”

This story was originally published May 10, 2014 at 10:50 PM with the headline "McMurray, Gilliland, Allgaier knocked out of Kansas Sprint Cup race after fiery crashes ."