Ellis shared photos of firetrucks greeting the plane as they returned to the gate, and firemen standing by as passengers deboarded. Longtime NASCAR reporter Matt Weaver says that the pilot reported blowing an engine, possibly due to a bird strike, during takeoff:

Ryan Truex, JGR’s reserve driver, will step in to drive No. 11 car as Hamlin will miss his first race since 2014.

For the first time 67 years, the NASCAR Cup Series will host a points race outside of the United States at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City on

Mike Forde and Amanda Ellis are joined by managing director of event experience Michael Verlatti to chat fan experienc as well as wet-weather tire rules for Mexico City.