The car came out of a turn awkwardly during a practice run at Phoenix International Raceway. After sitting on the track for several minutes, the car drove off gingerly but under its own power. Footage of the incident showed the front of the car bending grotesquely, and sickened several who saw it.
"Obviously, this would be a big blow to our team, and we hope for the best right now," said Patrick, the car's driver. "But if the engine is torn, we'll just have to find another car and do our best. No one will feel sorry for us because we got a torn engine."
Patrick's backup car is an old Chevelle that hasn't raced in decades. Her team is reportedly scouting the waiver wire, used car lots and AutoTrader.com for other options.
"I have faith in the the Chevelle. It knows our system, it knows what we want to do," said Patrick. "Which is to drive fast. But, sure, we'll see what is out there. We're always looking to get better. Maybe we can rent a race car from Avis or something."
If Patrick's current car does have a torn engine, it will be repaired at James Andrews' Auto Repairs Shop.
