Rubber "marbles" could be another likely culprit in addition to something breaking in the steering linkage.
Good call- probably the most likely cause, but would be a strange spot for marbles to be on the track.
The track/pace cars are equipped with ultra-sticky tires that do not require "heat" to grab really well.
That was about $8K worth of carbon fiber front fascia damage.

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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!!

Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't !
Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY.
ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, TURMOIL, FIASCOS, and HAVOC !