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Critters on the Circuit: NASCAR’s Wild Encounters with the Animal Kingdom

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
December 16, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0
Critters on the Circuit: NASCAR’s Wild Encounters with the Animal Kingdom

Sep 1, 2024; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) and NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (12) crash during the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR may be known for roaring engines and high-speed drama, but sometimes, the biggest showstoppers aren’t the drivers or the cars—they’re the unexpected animal cameos that turn races into wildlife safaris. From squirrels dodging Cup Series champions to foxes trotting under the lights, NASCAR’s history of bizarre animal encounters could rival any highlight reel.


When a Giant Balloon Almost Stole the Spotlight

Bizarre moments in NASCAR aren’t new—just look back at the time a giant orange balloon almost completed a qualifying lap. During a qualifying session, Xfinity Series driver Todd Szegedy had to dodge the runaway balloon that had made its way onto the track. While the incident left fans laughing, it set the tone for how unpredictable things can get on a NASCAR track. But as weird as that was, nothing beats the regular appearances of uninvited critters.


Kevin Harvick: NASCAR’s Unofficial Squirrel Whisperer

If there’s one driver who could claim a special connection with animals, it’s Kevin Harvick. Over his illustrious career, Harvick hasn’t just battled rivals on the track—he’s also dodged his fair share of furry intruders.

Take the 2014 Oral B 500 at Atlanta. Harvick was leading the race when a creature darted across his path. Over the radio, Harvick shouted:

“Almost hit a cat. Cat just ran, right in front of me.”

His spotter quickly corrected him:

“It’s a squirrel, and it’s not wearing a helmet. Not one of them squirrels, a real squirrel.”

The moment left fans chuckling, but it wouldn’t be Harvick’s last run-in with these bushy-tailed bandits. Just a year later at Phoenix International Raceway, Harvick spotted another squirrel during a qualifying session for the NASCAR Mexico Series. This time, NASCAR officials temporarily halted the session to rescue the adventurous rodent.


A Zoo on Wheels: NASCAR’s Other Animal Guests

While Harvick might have the strongest claim to being NASCAR’s “Pied Piper of Squirrels,” he’s not alone in his encounters. Tracks across the country have had their fair share of wildlife interruptions.

Darlington’s Foxy Friend

During the rain-delayed 2020 Darlington race, a fox decided to make a casual appearance. As Denny Hamlin led the race, the furry spectator crossed the track, sparking jokes about a “fox” on a race broadcast by Fox Sports. Even Hamlin had to chuckle at the coincidence.

Groundhog Day at Michigan

Michigan International Speedway turned into a playground for a speedy groundhog during a 2015 Xfinity Series practice session. Workers chased the critter with pickup trucks and even tried using a bucket for capture, but the little guy wasn’t giving up its pole position. The groundhog eventually completed its “victory lap” before the session resumed.

The Rabbit Chase at Bristol

During a Truck Series practice at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2015, a rabbit hopped onto the track, causing a delay as officials tried to shoo it away. John Hunter Nemechek joined the chase, ultimately helping the bunny find its way to the infield.

Owls and Bees at Auto Club

Auto Club Speedway in California seems to attract its own kind of chaos. In 2015, an owl perched itself on the track during practice for the Auto Club 400, forcing a red flag. Just a year earlier, the same track became home to a swarm of bees that decided the flag stand was their new hive. Rumors about Chase Elliott’s then-sponsor, Hooters, being behind the owl incident were purely coincidental—or were they?


From Jackrabbits to Coyotes: Phoenix’s Wild History

Phoenix International Raceway has seen everything from jackrabbits and deer to coyotes. For the track’s officials, animal visitors are practically routine. One such jackrabbit brought practice to a halt as it darted across the track, narrowly avoiding oncoming cars. Another time, a coyote made headlines as it strolled along the infield before being safely escorted away.


Why Do Animals Love NASCAR?

The phenomenon of animals wandering onto tracks isn’t entirely surprising. With tracks often situated in open rural areas, it’s easy for wildlife to find themselves in the middle of the action. The roar of engines, the smell of rubber, and the flashing lights might even be an accidental lure for these curious creatures.

But for drivers like Kevin Harvick, it’s just another challenge to navigate. After all, dodging squirrels and rabbits is probably not what he expected when chasing checkered flags.


What’s Your Favorite Wild NASCAR Moment?

From foxes to groundhogs, NASCAR’s history is filled with moments that remind us the track is sometimes wilder than we think. Do you have a favorite animal encounter during a race? Whether it’s a bird flying through the finish line or a deer sprinting across the infield, we’d love to hear your stories.

Because in NASCAR, you never know if the next obstacle is a driver—or a squirrel without a helmet!

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