Plane Carrying NASCAR Drivers Evacuated After Engine Blows Moments Before Takeoff
on Jun 12, 2025
NASCAR Drivers Heading To Mexico City Were Forced To Evacuate Their Plane Just Before Takeoff In Charlotte, North Carolina
On Thursday, June 12, a group of NASCAR drivers boarded a charter flight to Mexico City, where the first points-paying Cup Series race since 1958 is set to take place this weekend.
But just before takeoff, everyone on board was ordered to evacuate the aircraft after one of the engines reportedly blew.
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The news first broke when NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Ryan Ellis shared the issue on his X account.
Initially, he posted a photo from his seat, showing him and the other drivers getting ready to take off.
Mexico-bound. 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/IBiowUTBUG
— Ryan Ellis (@ryanellisracing) June 12, 2025
But shortly after, he replied to his own post with an update.
He said they were no longer flying after hearing a “small boom” come from the plane.
“Cancel that, plane attempted takeoff, plane made a small boom, we are headed back,” Ellis wrote.
Ellis later shared a photo of firefighters arriving at the scene to make sure everyone got off the plane safely.
What Caused The Engine To Blow?
As of now, there hasn’t been an official confirmation on what caused the engine to blow on the charter plane.
However, motorsports journalist Matt Weaver weighed in on social media. He shared that the plane’s captain suggested a possible bird strike may have been to blame.
The captain of a grounded plane carrying NASCAR industry people to Mexico as it aborted a takeoff said "I dont know if we took a bird but engine 2 blew."
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) June 12, 2025
The industry personnel are off that plane and have their luggage back.
NASCAR is aware of the situation, and a plan to get the drivers to Mexico City on time is currently in the works.
According to the latest updates, the passengers have been sent home or back to their race shops while arrangements are made for a new plane that’s cleared to fly across the border.
