NASCAR Driver Escapes Fiery Crash at Bristol Race

Mason Maggio's No. 91 car burst into flames during Stage 3 of the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series event.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:19am

An extreme close-up of a race car on fire, with the driver's face and details obscured by the intense flames and vibrant, expressionist brushstrokes in neon colors, conceptually capturing the raw, chaotic energy of a dangerous crash.A fiery crash during a NASCAR race at Bristol exposes the inherent dangers of the sport and the critical importance of safety protocols to protect drivers.Bristol Today

During the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Bristol, driver Mason Maggio narrowly escaped his No. 91 Chevrolet when it suddenly became engulfed in flames on pit road. The terrifying incident occurred during Stage 3 of the event, with Maggio's team urgently warning him over the radio to quickly exit the burning vehicle.

Why it matters

Fiery crashes are one of the most dangerous scenarios in auto racing, with the potential for catastrophic injuries to drivers. This incident highlights the safety protocols and quick reactions required to protect drivers when mechanical failures or other issues lead to a vehicle catching fire during competition.

The details

Maggio's No. 91 car was pouring smoke before suddenly bursting into full flames on pit road. His team was heard frantically telling him over the radio to 'get out' as the fire rapidly spread. Maggio was able to safely exit the vehicle without any reported injuries.

  • The incident occurred during Stage 3 of the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Bristol on April 12, 2026.

The players

Mason Maggio

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

No. 91 team

The pit crew and support staff for Mason Maggio's race car, who urgently warned him to exit the burning vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“'You're on fire. Get out. You're on fire. Get out. Get out,'”

— No. 91 team, Maggio's pit crew

The takeaway

This harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of auto racing and the critical importance of safety protocols, quick thinking, and driver training to protect competitors when mechanical failures or other issues lead to a vehicle catching fire during competition.