**NASCAR Drivers Forced to Evacuate Plane Just Before Takeoff in Charlotte**
*Mexico City Trip Delayed After Emergency Scare*
**Charlotte, North Carolina** – A routine flight carrying NASCAR drivers and crew members to Mexico City for this weekend’s highly anticipated race turned into a heart-pounding ordeal when passengers were abruptly ordered to evacuate just moments before takeoff. The sudden emergency at Charlotte Douglas International Airport left drivers shaken but unharmed, though it has raised questions about the cause of the incident.
### **”Brace for Impact”: The Moment Panic Erupted**
The chartered Boeing 737, operated by a private aviation company contracted by NASCAR, was taxiing toward the runway when an unidentified warning light flashed in the cockpit. According to sources inside the plane, the pilot immediately aborted takeoff and instructed flight attendants to prepare for an emergency evacuation.
Reigning Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, who was seated near the front of the aircraft, described the scene as “controlled chaos.”
**”We were just about to lift off when the plane suddenly braked hard,”** Larson said. **”The pilot came on and said, ‘Evacuate, evacuate!’—that’s when we knew it was serious.”**
Passengers were directed to use the emergency slides, with several drivers, including Ross Chastain and Chase Elliott, assisting crew members and fellow travelers in exiting the aircraft. Video footage from the tarmac showed thick smoke near one of the engines, though officials have not confirmed whether this was the cause of the evacuation.
### **Investigators Scramble for Answers**
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials arrived on the scene within an hour to begin their investigation. Early reports suggest a possible hydraulic leak or engine sensor malfunction, but no official statement has been released.
**”At this time, we are treating this as a precautionary evacuation due to an unresolved cockpit alert,”** an FAA spokesperson said. **”The passengers and crew followed protocol perfectly, and we’re relieved there were no injuries.”**
NASCAR released a brief statement acknowledging the incident:
**”We are grateful for the swift actions of the flight crew and the professionalism of everyone on board. The safety of our drivers, teams, and staff is our top priority. We are working to arrange alternate travel plans to ensure this weekend’s event proceeds as scheduled.”**
### **Drivers React: “A Reminder of How Fast Things Can Go Wrong”**
For many NASCAR drivers, the incident was a stark reminder of the dangers of air travel—something they face regularly due to the sport’s demanding schedule.
**”You always think about the risks when you’re on the track, not necessarily when you’re flying to the track,”** said Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner. **”This was a wake-up call.”**
Others, like rookie sensation Carson Hocevar, tried to lighten the mood.
**”Well, at least we got some practice using the slides,”** Hocevar joked. **”Hopefully, that’s the only emergency drill we’ll need this year.”**
### **What’s Next? Race Weekend in Jeopardy?**
With the original aircraft grounded pending inspection, NASCAR officials scrambled to secure alternative transportation for the nearly 200 passengers. Some drivers were reportedly considering commercial flights, while others waited for a replacement charter plane to be arranged.
The Mexico City race, part of NASCAR’s international expansion efforts, is still expected to proceed, though practice sessions may be delayed for affected teams.
As the investigation continues, one thing is certain: This close call will be a major topic of conversation in the garage—and a story these drivers won’t soon forget.
**— Additional reporting by Javier Cortez in Mexico City.**