Even those who aren't religious NASCAR fans are generally familiar with Mark Martin, whose longevity is perhaps only outdone by his consistent status as a top-tier racecar driver. Yet for a few fleeting seconds, none of that really mattered as the folks at the Michigan Pure 400 narrowly avoided what could've been a catastrophic accident. 

Martin was leading on lap 64 of the race when another crash moved uncontrollably into Martins domain, causing him to lose control of the car for a duration of time whose unnatural length wasn't exactly the most fun in regards to the "bated breath" category. Martin's car ends up slicing into the opening portion of the pit wall, narrowly missing Martin on the drivers side. Had the impact's epicenter occured a few feet closer to Martin, he may not have lived to tell the tale.

Definitely a big scare, but thankfully everyone walked away unscathed. 

[H/T: Deadspin]