A fan approaching Matt Kenseth for an autograph during a red flag at Watkins Glen International is still fresh in fans' memories. Fans are known to go beyond boundaries just to meet their favorite NASCAR driver. However, last weekend’s Bristol Speedway race is where things went too far to the point that it was a major safety concern. 

At the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts race at Bristol Motor Speedway last weekend, the DGM Racing driver, Mason Maggio, was involved in an unfortunate incident. His No. 91 Chevrolet caught on fire as he entered the narrow garage area. While the safety crew dealt with the fire, something else caught the fans' eyes.

A fan was seen walking by the car and taking a picture of the incident. In the process, he also ended up blocking a crew with a fire extinguisher, trying to douse the fire. Since then, the moment has gained traction in the NASCAR world and has drawn criticism. 

“I think it’s just a learning opportunity for the security folks and just really those people that are managing that infield area to make sure that fans are staying away from that area and aware of their surroundings when something like a car that is in that type of condition goes into the infield, because obviously that could be a dangerous situation," NASCAR Managing Director of Racing Communications Mike Forde, said,

This reminds the fans of an old incident. Back in June 2017, a 43-year-old fan climbed the fence at Dover International Speedway. Authorities charged him with second-degree trespassing, disorderly conduct, and offensive touching of law enforcement.

We are yet to find out what actions will be taken against this fan at the Bristol Motor Speedway. But Forde rightly pointed out, it is necessary for the fans to have some awareness about the situation.

What happened during the NASCAR race?

During the race at Bristol Motor Speedway in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series, Maggio’s car caught on fire, caused by an engine failure.

On lap 194 of the 300-lap race, Maggio’s #91 DGM racing car had white smoke coming out from the back. He rushed to stop in the infield area.

Just as he jumped out of the car, with the help of JR Motosports' Mark Armstrong and another from Peterson Racing, his Chevrolet Camaro SS was engulfed in flames. 

The NASCAR driver quickly signalled to everyone that he was okay. This brought out the red flag and brought the race to a halt for a short time. This marked Maggio’s third DNF in the last five races.

“Yeah, I'm all good," Maggio told The CW. "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."

Although rare in today’s NASCAR, fires still rank among the most hazardous and unpredictable outcomes of mechanical failure.

Read more at RFK Racing Digest.

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar