Crew members injured as Nemechek's Snowball Derby ends in flames

Nemechek, the 2014 Snowball Derby winner, took the lead with roughly 20 laps to go today in defense of his title. However, smoke began to suddenly pour out of his Late Model car. The No. 8 slid up the track and started to fall back through the field as a small fire ignited on the right front, ending his chances at going back-to-back.

"It started while I was leading," Nemechek explained to Motorsport.com's Lee Spencer. "I lost the brakes and the motor started blowing up. It started backfiring and everything.

"It is what it is. At that time, you're just trying to survive and finish the race and we were just short of that. There was a big fire on the right front so that's why we came down pit road -- I was told to get down pit road and get out."

Crew members injured

When Nemechek finally ducked down into the pit lane, the fire had intensified and due to a lack of brakes, he spun into his pit stall, contacting the wall. Two crew members required medical attention and were attended to by EMTs after the incident.

UPDATE: One crew member who was transported to a local hospital (Car Chief Austin Pollak) and is having x-rays on his leg and knee area. The other (Truck driver Charles Moles) has been treated and released.

"I had no brakes when I came in. Hit a couple of these guys trying to stop it. Luckily, they got me out of the car. I can't thank everyone enough for all their hard work and McDonalds.

"Hopefully, my guys are all alright. My prayers are with them right now."