“Jesus Christ, I’m Glad London McKenzie Is Okay”: Violent ARCA Crash Destroys Rare Colored Chassis

What started as just another lap in the ARCA Menards Series turned into a moment that left fans holding their breath — and then letting out a collective sigh of relief.

London McKenzie, a young up-and-coming driver trying to make their mark in the development-heavy ARCA ranks, was involved in a terrifying crash that left their car nearly unrecognizable. The chassis, one of the few remaining distinctly colored frames still active in the series, was reportedly totaled — and for many fans, the wreck hit on both a personal and symbolic level.

“Jesus Christ, I’m just glad London is okay,” one fan posted online in the immediate aftermath of the incident. “That car is heavily damaged. I’m sad — because that was one of the last colored chassis still in the field, and by the looks of it, it’s killed.”

A Rare Breed on the Brink

In an era where spec bodies and cost-saving measures have gradually made ARCA fields more uniform, unique touches like painted chassis have become increasingly rare. Most teams now rely on bare-metal or black frames to reduce costs and simplify repairs. That’s why McKenzie’s vividly colored chassis — a nod to the sport’s more colorful past — stood out.

“It’s not just about paint. It’s about identity,” one ARCA mechanic noted. “That car had character. You knew who it was when it rolled off the hauler.”

Now, it looks like that bit of personality may be lost forever.

A Violent Impact, A Fortunate Outcome

According to on-site reports, the crash happened in the second half of the race when McKenzie’s car was clipped in a chain-reaction incident entering Turn 3. The impact sent the car headfirst into the wall, folding the front end and snapping the frame rails. Track safety crews responded quickly, and thankfully, McKenzie was able to climb from the wreck under their own power.

They were later evaluated and released from the infield care center, shaken but physically okay.

Bigger Than a Wreck

To the average fan, it might just be another torn-up car. But for those who follow ARCA closely — and those who cherish the small bits of individuality that still remain in a sport increasingly defined by parity — this crash hit differently.

“This wasn’t just about a wrecked race car,” one longtime ARCA follower said. “It’s about what we’re losing — piece by piece — in this modern era. That chassis had soul.”

Looking Ahead

No word yet on whether the team will be able to salvage anything from the wreckage, or whether McKenzie will be back in a backup car for the next race. But one thing is certain: this crash reminded everyone how violent motorsports can be — and how precious the personalities, the color, and the little pieces of uniqueness are in a rapidly homogenizing racing world.

For now, all eyes are on London McKenzie’s recovery and future — and the hope that not everything colorful has to be lost in the name of progress.