Gragson, Berry Crashed During Practice at Speedway
The two drivers will start Sunday's Cup Series race from the rear of the field after practice accidents.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Motorsports
NASCAR drivers Noah Gragson and Josh Berry were forced to move to the back of the pack for Sunday's race following practice crashes at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Both drivers experienced tire failures while navigating Turns 1 and 2, resulting in significant damage to their vehicles.
Why it matters
The accidents highlight the ongoing challenges teams face with tire pressures and track conditions at the speedway, specifically where cars bottom out on bumps. These technical issues forced both drivers to miss qualifying sessions ahead of the upcoming race.
Five drivers reported tire issues during the practice session, including those in the No. 4, No. 21, No. 45, No. 54, and No. 17 cars. While Gragson and Berry suffered crashes, three others experienced tire complications without total vehicle loss.
The players
Noah Gragson
The driver of the No. 4 car for Front Row Motorsports who crashed during practice.
Josh Berry
The driver of the No. 21 car for Wood Brothers Racing who sustained damage and will use a backup car.
The details
Teams were pushing air pressures to gain speed, causing cars to bottom out on a bump in Turns 1 and 2 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Josh Berry will utilize a backup car for the race, as the damage from his crash rendered his primary vehicle unusable. The incident resulted in both Gragson and Berry being excluded from the qualifying round entirely.
Timeline
October 4, 2026: The practice session took place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
October 5, 2026: The Cup Series race is scheduled to occur.
Beyond the Strip
These crashes underscore the persistent technical difficulties teams encounter at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, consistent with historical concerns regarding track surface bumps. This incident follows a pattern of tire-related failures that have previously shaped race strategies in the valley.
Fans attending the race on Sunday should anticipate altered starting positions for the No. 4 and No. 21 cars. Commuters heading toward the speedway area should prepare for typical event-day traffic congestion around the track vicinity.
The takeaway
Drivers will need to navigate potential track surface issues in Turns 1 and 2 carefully throughout the weekend. Keep an eye on how the teams adjust their vehicle setups to compensate for the bumps during Sunday's main event.
Further reading
For more on the local racing calendar, visit Motorsports.
