3 times NASCAR race cars caught on fire, ft. Ryan Newman

NASCAR has always been a sport about speed. With that high speed comes a high risk of accidents, and crashes often grab headlines; fires present a uniquely terrifying challenge.

Currently, the Next Gen cars in NASCAR are fitted with safety features such as fire-retardant suits, certified helmets, intumescent coatings, and right-side backstop panel. Despite safety measures, there have been moments when NASCAR cars burst into flames, putting drivers and crews on high alert.

Let’s take a look at three unforgettable instances when race cars caught fire, including one involving the resilient Ryan Newman.

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Fire-related incident in the history of NASCAR

#1 Ryan Newman – Michigan, 2003

Ryan Newman, who was known for his fearless driving style, faced a fiery ordeal at Michigan International Speedway during the Sirius 400 in 2003, one of the most dramatic incidents of that season. The fiery crash occurred on lap 36 of the 200.

Newman’s #12 Penske Racing Dodge suffered a fiery crash after a tire failure caused him to lose control. Flames erupted suddenly from the back of his car while running for the position on the track and quickly burst into flames.

However, Newman quickly exited the car unharmed, but the intense fire showcased the risks drivers face and the importance of safety measures like fireproof suits and extinguishers.

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#2 Kevin Harvick – Darlington, 2022

The 2014 Cup champion Kevin Harvick once experienced a terrifying moment during the 2022 Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. While running in the top five in the final stage at Darlington, his #4 Ford Mustang caught fire on the frontstretch, forcing him to jump out of the car as flames erupted from the front wheels.

The fire was later attributed to rubber buildup igniting under high heat conditions. Following the race, Harvick criticized NASCAR for what he described as a lack of urgency in addressing safety issues with the Next Gen car.

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#3 Daniel Suarez – Daytona, 2024

In a more recent example, Daniel Suarez's #99 burst into flames while exiting pit road on Lap 37 of the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway.

During the first pit stop of the Daytona fall race, his #99 crew spilled a small amount of fuel that ignited a spark by a backfire that came off of the pipes of Denny Hamlin’s #11 behind Suarez on pit road. As a result, Suarez exited his pit stall with his back bumper aflame.