T.J. Bell's car chief in good condition following accident at Bristol

Credit: John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR

Friday morning during Nationwide series practice at Bristol Motor Speedway, a freak accident occurred after a miscommunication between driver T.J. Bell and his crew. Bell backed over his car chief, Cory Howe, who was underneath his car at the time making adjustments.


Howe was airlifted to a nearby hospital, Wellmont Health System, where he is listed in good condition as of early Friday afternoon after receiving treatment for his injuries and undergoing testing.


From reports, Bell backed over Howe's pelvis and he also sustained injuries to his head. 


In an interview with Bob Pockrass of Scene Daily.com, Bell said, “It’s tough from inside the race car to see where your guys are at all times,” Bell said. “The code is when the hood goes down, be ready to start the engine. So they started the engine, they backed me out and I don’t think the guy who backed me out had any idea he was under there as well.”


Bell and his team are competing in both the Nationwide and Cup races this week. After the accident, it is unclear if the team will attempt to qualify their Nationwide entry into the race.