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Scary Start for NASCAR Drivers on Mexico Trip as Blown Engine Forces Aborted Takeoff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kyle Dalton | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 6:14 PM ET

The Mexico City race weekend was a date many fans and industry members circled when NASCAR announced last year that the Cup Series would be racing internationally in a points-paying event for the first time since 1958.

The excitement has been building for months. On Thursday, it all became reality when the teams, including the drivers, boarded planes to begin their journey south of the border.

Unfortunately, one of the airliners didn’t make it very far, according to Xfinity Series driver Ryan Ellis. The DGM Racing driver responded to his initial post on X that said “Mexico bound” and included a photo from inside the plane.

“Cancel that, plane attempted takeoff, plane made a small boom, we are headed back,” the No. 71 pilot said.

Just over 20 minutes later and he provided an update. “This doesn’t seem optimal,” he wrote and included a photo out of the window showing a fire truck and firefighters standing nearby.

Another 20 minutes later, he added: “Andddddd we are back in Charlotte,” including a photo of passengers getting off the plane.

Cancel that, plane attempted takeoff, plane made a small boom, we are headed back
— Ryan Ellis (@ryanellisracing) June 12, 2025

Veteran NASCAR journalist Matt Weaver provided additional details on X.

“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,'" Weaver wrote. "The industry personnel are off that plane and have their luggage back."

The first on-track action is scheduled for Friday with Practice 1 in the Cup Series at 1:05 p.m. ET. Xfinity Practice 1 follows at 2:05 p.m.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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