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Norm Benning Escapes Talladega Truck Fire, Plans Quick Return

The 73-year-old plans to race at Martinsville next week despite a destroyed engine that will strain his small team’s budget.

Overview

  • An engine failure on lap 65 ignited Benning’s No. 6 Chevrolet, sending flames through the truck as he brought it to a stop on the backstretch.
  • The in-cab fire suppression system activated and safety crews arrived within seconds to extinguish the blaze and assist the driver.
  • Benning was treated and released from the infield care center for smoke inhalation, saying his right side felt like a sunburn and that he will receive a follow-up treatment.
  • He said the engine had only two races on it and estimated a $75,000 replacement cost, a significant setback for his owner-driver operation.
  • Benning expects to compete at Martinsville next weekend and aims to run Daytona in February, while rookie Gio Ruggiero captured the Talladega Truck win.