Chandler Smith is just 20 years old, and was hoping to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut this weekend in the biggest race of the year.
With a Kaulig Racing car under him, his chances seemed decent. But things got off to a rocky start in qualifying, with mechanical gremlins meaning he never even got the chance to put up a competitive lap and time. No, if he wanted to be part of the Great American Race, he would likely have to race his way in.