Engine Fire Engulfs NASCAR Driver's Car at Bristol Race

Smoke and flames forced a red flag as safety crews rushed to extinguish the blaze.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:21am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting a NASCAR race car engulfed in flames and thick smoke, capturing the raw energy and chaos of the engine fire incident.A fiery engine failure on the track exposes the dangers NASCAR drivers face and the quick response required from safety crews.Bristol Today

A major engine fire on Mason Maggio's No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro caused chaos during a NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Fuel was spilled onto the track, leading to a red flag as safety crews worked to extinguish the flames that had engulfed a large portion of Maggio's car.

Why it matters

Engine fires are rare occurrences in NASCAR, and this incident highlighted the dangers drivers face and the quick response required from safety crews to protect both the driver and other competitors on the track.

The details

The fire broke out on Lap 194, around the start of Stage Three, as Maggio was running off the lead lap during an engine failure. Video footage showed the flames growing rapidly, with thick smoke filling the cockpit and trailing behind the car as Maggio came to a stop. His crew could be heard urgently telling him to get out of the vehicle.

  • The incident occurred on Lap 194 around the start of Stage Three of the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 12, 2026.
  • The race was red-flagged following the engine fire.

The players

Mason Maggio

The driver of the No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro that caught fire during the NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

DGM Racing

The racing team that fielded Maggio's car in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series event.

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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 ignite. It's a shame. We were doing okay, we were hoping for a better day, but it was weird.”

— Mason Maggio, NASCAR Driver

“I just saw the oil pressure start to drop out of nowhere on that last restart, and then it all goes in smoke. We just lost the motor at that point. I didn't expect complaints like that. For all the family at home, for mom, I'm good.”

— Mason Maggio, NASCAR Driver

What’s next

Maggio and the DGM Racing team will look to rebound at the next NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series event at Kansas Speedway.

The takeaway

This engine fire incident at Bristol highlights the inherent risks and dangers that NASCAR drivers face, as well as the importance of quick-acting safety crews to respond to such emergencies and protect both the driver and other competitors on the track.