It looked to me like a fluid leak under the car and once it ignites on the tarmac there is not much the fire suppression system in the engine bay or passenger compartment would do.  IMHO

A question to those smarter than me.....   Did they use water from the hose to put that out or is there some other chemical in there.  I was always instructed that water on an oil or gas fire is a big no-no. 

Dave
arm chair fire fighter....

FYI , on our two safety trucks we have a coldfire suppression system with approximately 50 gallons of foam in each, deployed correctly should be all we would need , that being said we are constantly looking at new and improved ways to ensure the safety of the drivers / crews and workers at Mission Raceway . And as we always say if you want to know what we have come and see us , we will show you what we have ,Because we are proud of them.  in fact I would go so far as to say that our two trucks are probably the best equiped trucks for our needs . coupled with a great crew, who love doing what we do . Maybe one race weekend we can do a show and tell .