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‘Play Stupid Games’ – NASCAR World Warns of Disaster After Cameraman’s Hair-Raising Chicago Moment

Shane van Gisbergen held off Connor Zilisch to win the Loop 110 for the second season in a row on Saturday at the Chicago Street Course. The Kiwi driver should describe the track as his luckiest NASCAR venue, given the success he has enjoyed there. His recent win, however, could have almost caused a tragedy.

As he was celebrating his way to Victory Lane, Van Gisbergen came dangerously close to hitting a camera operator. While he drifted along the right side of the track, the back of the car nearly took the cameraman out.

NASCAR Fans Slam Close Call with Cameraman in Chicago

Van Gisbergen’s No. 9 car slowed on the front stretch after completing its cooldown lap before launching into a smoke-filled burnout that brought cheers from the grandstands.

To deliver an up-close view of the burnout, the CW camera operator stood on the track side of the concrete barrier dividing the pit road and came dangerously close to disaster.

With the JR Motorsports car closing in, SVG made a hard left turn, sending the car’s rear end whipping around. Smoke instantly filled the screen, and the camera tilted sharply as the operator lost balance.

Call it a close call, a lucky escape, or a narrowly avoided disaster; whichever way you see it, it’s happened before, and it enraged viewers who tuned in to watch the race.

An X user recalled a similar incident at Talladega and pointed out that the camera operators don’t get compensated enough for the risks they take.

“I’ve watched long haired guy at Talledega get lost in tire smoke for a few years. I’m like they probably don’t pay enough for the footage he filmed,” they wrote.

Another drew attention to a simple, risk-free alternative.

“all they really need to do is replace the man with a drone who’s 50 feet away operating it…” the comment read.

This isn’t the first time a near-accident has occurred while trying to capture the perfect shot of a post-race celebration. So the question must be asked: how far is too far?

More: ‘Collapsed My Lung’ – Shane van Gisbergen’s Tire Changer Shares Major Recovery Update After Pocono Scare

It’s beginning to feel inevitable; a close call one day could become an actual accident, whether that means a cameraman losing their footing, suffering a minor injury, or something far more severe.

Fortunately, no one was injured during Saturday’s incident. Van Gisbergen carried on with his celebration for another 45 seconds. It was a moment to savor, of course, but NASCAR must not forget that safety comes first and ensure safer working conditions for the broadcast crew.

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