Video: Almirola, Alfredo Exit Food City Dirt Race Early Following Multi-Car Pileup

Just north of 40 laps into the NASCAR Cup Series return to dirt saw a rather violent crash involving a handful of Mustangs.

Aric Almirola was attempting a pass below the No. 77 of Stewart Friesen in Turn 2 and failed to execute the pass after hitting a bump in Turn 2.

Almirola immediately spun and backed into the No. 78 of Shane Golobic. Moments later, an oncoming Anthony Alfredo slammed into the passenger side door of the No. 10 Ford. Corey LaJoie caught the tail end of the wreck.

A big crash in Stage 1 at @BMSupdates! @Aric_Almirola, @CoreyLaJoie and @anthonyalfredo are among those involved.

📺: FOX | 📲: https://t.co/oWWAusOO8X pic.twitter.com/hV2gQOVeDz

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 29, 2021

The wreck happened directly in front of leader Martin Truex Jr.,  who was able to snake his way through the carnage with no damage. In his post-race interview, Almirola blamed both the No. 77 as well as the visibility from his windshield. Just laps prior, Almirola came over the radio and expressed concern that he was unable to see.

The Food City Dirt Race was immediately red-flagged for cleanup.

The Florida driver’s bad season continues, marking his third DNF of the season, and falling deep in the point standings.