Ty Dillon hits squirrel during NASCAR Michigan race at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, creating an unexpected moment during the FireKeepers Casino 400 when he struck a squirrel as he approached his pit box. Dillon, returning to a full-time NASCAR Cup Series role this year, remarked on the incident’s unfortunate timing and shared reactions following the event.
After concluding Stage 2 of Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400, Dillon discussed the situation, mentioning that a squirrel had crossed his path just as he arrived for service.
“I think I just murdered a squirrel getting into my pit box,”
—Ty Dillon, per Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic. Dillon then mused, “Bad timing, little buddy.”
Dillon’s Cup Series Season and Performance
Observers can only wonder if Dillon’s unusual pit road mishap might lead to lingering bad luck this season. The 33-year-old rejoined the Cup Series full-time for 2024 after competing part-time across several teams earlier in the year. So far, Dillon has yet to secure a win or a top-10 finish in the current season, with his best result being a 12th-place showing in Texas this May.
Since his Cup Series debut, Ty Dillon has participated in 249 races and chalked up seven top-10 finishes. He first raced full-time in the Cup Series in 2017, piloting the No. 13 chevrolet/”>Chevrolet for Germain Racing. Despite not reaching the podium this year, Dillon’s consistency and longevity have kept him in the competitive NASCAR landscape.
The Partnership Between Dillon and Kaulig Racing
Dillon’s ongoing opportunity with Kaulig Racing has been a significant moment in his career, and he expressed gratitude toward the organization.
“I am incredibly grateful for another opportunity to run full-time in the Cup Series, and to be able to do it with the men and women at Kaulig Racing means a lot to me personally,”
—Ty Dillon, Kaulig Racing Press Release, September.
He further noted,
“They gave me a chance this year to go out and prove myself in a handful of starts. The team and I were able to connect early on and we put together a few strong runs in the No. 16. I’m really looking forward to what 2025 brings with this team. We have a bright future ahead of us and we’re going to give it our all each and every race next season.”
—Ty Dillon, Kaulig Racing Press Release, September.
Team owner Matt Kaulig also commented on Dillon’s contributions this year:
“Ty has done a really great job for us this year in our No. 16 car, competing in a limited schedule,”
—Matt Kaulig, Team Owner. Kaulig praised Dillon’s reliability, stating,
“He has been consistent each time he gets in the car and has really helped our program grow this season. We think he will be instrumental in continuing our Cup program in alliance with Richard Childress Racing.”
—Matt Kaulig, Team Owner.
What Lies Ahead for Ty Dillon
With his return to full-time Cup Series racing, Dillon’s partnership with Kaulig Racing offers potential for growth as the season progresses. As Dillon prepares for future races, including the rest of the 2024 calendar and beyond into 2025, fans and analysts alike will watch to see if he can achieve improved race finishes and possibly end his winless streak. His unusual encounter at Michigan International Speedway stands as a memorable moment in a season defined by resilience and anticipation of better results.
