Bristol NASCAR Race Red Flagged After Major Engine Fire for Mason Maggio

Maggio's car caught fire on lap 194, bringing out a red flag during the NASCAR O'Reilly's Auto Parts Series Suburban Propane 300.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:40am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the intense flames and energy of a NASCAR engine fire, with the car's form dissolving into unrecognizable brushstrokes.A fiery engine failure at Bristol Motor Speedway brings out the raw power and danger of NASCAR racing.Bristol Today

On lap 194 of Saturday's NASCAR O'Reilly's Auto Parts Series race at Bristol, Mason Maggio's No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro experienced a major engine failure that led to a large fire, bringing out a red flag. Maggio was able to safely exit the car, but the incident caused significant smoke and fuel spill on the track.

Why it matters

Engine failures and fires are always a major safety concern in motorsports, and this incident at Bristol highlights the risks drivers face. The red flag stoppage also impacted the flow of the race, potentially affecting the final outcome.

The details

Maggio was running four laps down in the race when his engine expired on lap 194, just as the race was entering Stage Three. The engine failure led to a large fire that engulfed the area around the half-mile Bristol Coliseum track, forcing safety crews to quickly respond and bring out a red flag to clear the track of smoke and fuel.

  • The engine failure and fire occurred on lap 194 of the 300-lap NASCAR O'Reilly's Auto Parts Series Suburban Propane 300 race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
  • The race was in the early stages of Stage Three when the incident happened.

The players

Mason Maggio

The driver of the No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro who experienced the engine failure and fire. Maggio was able to safely exit the car and was not injured in the incident.

Kyle Larson

The race leader at the time of the red flag, Larson was poised to potentially win his second straight Bristol race after sweeping the stages.

Connor Zilisch

The eventual race winner, Zilisch held off Larson on older tires to claim his first O'Reilly's Series victory since becoming a full-time Cup Series driver earlier this year.

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What they’re saying

“I'm all good. I knew there was going to be a lot of sparks under the lights here at Bristol, I just didn't expect my car to be the one that imitates.”

— Mason Maggio, Driver

“For all the family at home, for mom, I'm good.”

— Mason Maggio, Driver

What’s next

The NASCAR O'Reilly's Auto Parts Series will continue its season next week at Talladega Superspeedway.

The takeaway

This engine failure and fire at Bristol highlights the inherent dangers of motorsports, but also the safety protocols and quick response of crews that allow drivers to walk away unharmed from such incidents. The red flag stoppage also impacted the flow of the race, potentially affecting the final outcome.