Alexander had just passed Kerry Earnhardt for the lead with four laps to go in the EasyCare 100 when his car pulled in too close in front of Earnhardt's after the pass.

Earnhardt caught Alexander's rear bumper, sending both cars into a spin coming out of Turn 4. Alexander's car, already running close to the outside wall, cut right and the Pontiac slammed into the concrete at an almost head-first angle.

His car then hit Earnhardt's again, flipping it and sending Earnhardt's Chevrolet hurtling down the track on its roof with flames shooting out from under the hood.

Alexander's car came to a rest on the infield grass. The 1996 ARCA  rookie of the year had to be cut out of the car, was placed on a stretcher and rushed to the infield car center. He was pronounced dead from severe head injuries at 10:20 p.m.