Norm Benning was ousted from Friday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Talladega Superspeedway after a blown engine left his No. 6 truck in flames.
Benning was running 32nd at Lap 65 when the engine of his No. 6 Chevrolet failed entering Turn 1. A plume of white smoke bellowed from the vehicle before turning to flames, which rolled beneath and behind the vehicle before Benning came to a halt at the exit of Turn 2.
The 73-year-old Pennsylvania native climbed from the truck under his own power before safety personnel aided him beside the truck once the fire was extinguished. He was later treated and released from the infield care center.
— NASCAR.com —
AND: At 73 years old, a scary incident like this isn’t slowing Benning down.
“I just love it. I love crawling in that window and can say I’m physically able to do it,” he said. “I hope somebody comes along and can help us replace this engine.”
An engine costs $75,000, according to Benning, who said this engine only had two races on it.
“I mean, I’ve got to replace the engine now for Daytona, and that’s my concern.”
Obviously, Benning will race a different truck at Martinsville next week. However, Benning did point to the charred truck, saying, “that’s going to Daytona.”
— Frontstretch —
Norm Benning said he will race Martinsville next week. Suffered smoke inhalation. Said feels sunburned but no blisters. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/XvIlYNGjae
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 17, 2025