On Thursday, June 12, 2025, a chartered flight carrying NASCAR drivers and personnel was forced to evacuate just before takeoff at Charlotte Douglas

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, a chartered flight carrying NASCAR drivers and personnel was forced to evacuate just before takeoff at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The aircraft was en route to Mexico City for the first points-paying Cup Series race there since 1958.

The incident unfolded when one of the plane’s engines reportedly failed moments after initiating the takeoff. NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Ryan Ellis, who was aboard, initially shared a photo from his seat, captioning it “Mexico-bound.” Shortly after, he updated his post, stating, “Cancel that, plane attempted takeoff, plane made a small boom, we are headed back.” Ellis later posted images of firefighters arriving at the scene to ensure the safe evacuation of all passengers .

Motorsports journalist Matt Weaver reported that the plane’s captain suggested a possible bird strike as the cause of the engine failure, stating, “I don’t know if we took a bird but engine 2 blew.” Following the evacuation, NASCAR personnel were safely off the plane and had their luggage returned. Arrangements were promptly made to transport the drivers and crew to Mexico City on a different aircraft .

This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with frequent air travel in the NASCAR community, underscoring the importance of safety protocols and swift emergency responses.