BROOKLYN, Mich. — Ty Dillon, driving the No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet, made headlines for an unfortunate incident during Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The NASCAR driver entered his pit box after Stage 2, he struck a squirrel that darted across pit road, an event he grimly noted over the team radio: “I think I just murdered a squirrel getting into my pit box,” per The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi. The team confirmed the squirrel’s demise, and onboard footage shared by @STaranto92 on X captured the moment, sparking a mix of shock and dark humor online.
X erupted with reactions. @ProSportsGoats posted, “Ty Dillon became a killer during the Michigan NASCAR race today 😳,” while @quentindiaz3 lamented, “Ty Dillon hit lil Alvin on the track? Rip Squirrel #NASCAR.” @RacingLocker quipped, “Not sure what Ty Dillon’s issue is with Michigan Squirrels, but he needs to be stopped.” The incident didn’t derail Dillon’s pit stop, as his crew swapped four tires without issue. Dillon, starting 18th, finished 24th, completing all 200 laps but scoring only two points with a ninth-place Stage 2 finish.
Dillon, 33, is in his first full-time Cup Series season with Kaulig Racing after a 2024 Truck Series stint. His 2025 season has been rocky, with no top-10 finishes and a best of 12th at Texas. Despite the squirrel incident, Dillon remains optimistic, telling SiriusXM NASCAR Radio he sees Kaulig as his best career shot. The team’s alliance with Richard Childress Racing, his grandfather’s outfit, bolsters his No. 10 Camaro, though results lag behind teammate AJ Allmendinger’s four top-10s. Fans hope Dillon avoids more wildlife mishaps at Mexico City’s race on June 15.
Meanwhile, NASCAR on Prime host Danielle Trotta shined in a stunning new outfit on pit road.
Watch: NASCAR Driver Punts Squirrel on Pit Road