Sentence:  So it came to pass that National Challenge 1974 was conducted at Gil Kohn's New York National Speedway and was an unconditional disaster, doomed by rain, high ticket prices, no traction, lengthy <WSD>oil-downs</WSD>, botched lane assignments, numerous pit fights, charges of slander, threatened officials, surly track personnel, and a general lack of communication, all of which prompted the spectacle of Garlits' public resignation from his presidency and leaving the facility in mid-event. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  Oil spill.