Ty Dillon runs over squirrel during Michigan Cup race at Michigan International Speedway, drawing attention from fans and sparking discussion online. The incident happened during the Cup Series’ FireKeepers Casino 400, as Dillon returned to his pit box and accidentally struck a squirrel on pit road.
Squirrel Incident Unfolds During Michigan Race
During the high-energy action of the FireKeepers Casino 400, unexpected wildlife made an appearance when a squirrel darted onto pit road. As Ty Dillon steered his Kaulig Racing car toward his pit box after Stage 2, a video captured the moment he encountered the animal. Unfortunately, Dillon’s car ran over the squirrel, resulting in a somber turn for both the driver and fans watching the Michigan Cup race unfold.
The moment quickly gained traction on social media, with fans posting clips of the incident and sharing their reactions online. While animal interventions are not unheard of in motorsports, this particular encounter highlighted the unpredictable nature of racing environments, where both man and machine occasionally cross paths with wildlife on the track.
“I think I just murdered a squirrel getting into my pit box. Bad timing, little buddy.”
—Ty Dillon, Driver
Ty Dillon’s Season and Results So Far
The incident with the squirrel adds to what has been a challenging season for Ty Dillon. Despite rejoining the Cup Series as a full-time driver with Kaulig Racing, Dillon has yet to break into the top 10, with his personal best so far being a 12th-place finish. At Michigan International Speedway, he concluded the event in 24th place, securing 15 points—an outcome that could prove crucial in determining his standing as the season progresses.
Dillon’s opportunity with Kaulig Racing marks his return to consistent competition at NASCAR’s highest level following a stint with multiple teams the prior year. The new campaign provides Dillon a chance to rebuild his standing in the Cup Series and work toward stronger finishes by season’s end.
Kaulig Racing Offers Dillon a Fresh Start
At age 33, Ty Dillon acknowledges the opportunity that Kaulig Racing has provided, seeing it as a pivotal moment in his career. The partnership with the team has allowed Dillon to step back into full-time racing and attempt to realize his potential at the upper echelons of NASCAR. Both Dillon and the garage crew have been focused on building good results, especially after their positive collaboration during part-time runs last year, which led to his current full-season position.
“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. 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.”
—Ty Dillon, Driver
Team morale and gratitude play a significant role in Dillon’s approach to the season, as he continues to compete against well-established teams and drivers like Max Verstappen and contenders such as Kyle Larson, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc. While results have been mixed so far, Dillon’s determination to capitalize on his “big break” with Kaulig Racing remains unwavering.
Looking Ahead for Ty Dillon and Kaulig Racing
Despite a tough start to his 2025 Cup Series campaign, Ty Dillon is focused on improving his performances throughout the rest of the season. The partnership with Kaulig Racing, built on mutual trust and early signs of promise, gives both team and driver hope for climbing the points standings as events continue.
The unusual incident of Dillon running over a squirrel has not only captured the attention of fans but also added an unpredictable storyline to an already competitive season. As the Cup Series moves forward, Dillon and his team will look to turn both viral moments and challenging race outcomes into motivation for achieving better finishes on the track.
With Michigan International Speedway as the backdrop for this memorable moment, Ty Dillon, Kaulig Racing, and the wider NASCAR community are reminded of the unpredictable factors that make each race unique. Moving into future races, the focus will remain on strong performances, adaptability, and capitalizing on every opportunity for success—no matter what surprises may be waiting on the track.
