WATCH: “Overcooked the pizza rolls” – Fans react as Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s car catches fire at the Charlotte ROVAL playoffs race

In a heart-stopping moment at the Charlotte Roval, JTG Daugherty Racing driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. faced a perilous situation during the playoffs race as his Camaro erupted in flames on the 96th lap. The incident unfolded as Stenhouse’s car filled with smoke, and flames flickered beneath, captured vividly on the NBC broadcast. 

Despite the intensity of the situation, Stenhouse remarkably exited the vehicle under his power, demonstrating remarkable composure. Emergency crews swiftly intervened to extinguish the fire, highlighting the rapid response capabilities of NASCAR’s safety protocols.

Stenhouse’s unnerving experience marked a critical juncture in the playoffs, as he had already been eliminated from contention after the Bristol race. The JTG driver, who initially secured a playoff spot with a Daytona 500 win, saw his postseason journey cut short in the Round of 12 alongside notable names like Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick, and Michael McDowell.

In a race brimming with surprises, non-playoff driver A.J. Allmendinger won the Bank of America Roval 400, triumphing over William Byron in a thrilling 10-lap finale. Allmendinger’s road course prowess not only secured the win but also altered the playoff landscape for the advancing Round of 8 contenders.

Noteworthy performances by Tyler Reddick and Kyle Busch added drama to the event, setting the stage for the next phase of the NASCAR Playoffs with Byron, Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin, Chris Buescher, Reddick, Kyler Larson, Christopher Bell, and Ryan Blaney progressing.

Discover: Bubba Wallace bemoans playoff elimination, admits he should’ve done better at ROVAL ‘while racing around there with squirrels’

Fans were relieved to see Ricky Stenhouse Jr. walk out unscathed

Amidst the intensity of the playoffs, fans took a humorous turn on social media, particularly on platforms like X, as they playfully attributed the fiery incident to Stenhouse “overcooking the pizza rolls” in his car. The sponsor logos of Harris Teeter and Totino’s Pizza Rolls adorned Stenhouse Jr.’s car, providing a quirky connection to the fan-created narrative.

The online circulation of the video depicting Stenhouse’s car engulfed in flames prompted fans to inject humor into the situation. Speculations humorously suggested the fire resulted from Stenhouse’s attention to sponsor Totino’s pizza rolls rather than the race. Memes and jokes flooded social media, creating a light-hearted atmosphere amid the playoff intensity. While playfully teasing Stenhouse, fans expressed relief and joy as he walked away unharmed, albeit with concerns about the delayed exit.

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As the playoffs continue, Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s fiery incident will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the 2023 NASCAR season, not just for its on-track implications but also for the unexpected twist of fans turning a fiery mishap into a memorable and amusing chapter in NASCAR lore.

In case you missed it:

Joey Logano breaks down the upside to his ‘frustrating and stinging’ playoff elimination

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