HomeNASCAR NewsNASCAR Teams NewsNASCAR Team’s Hauler Breakdown Sparks Emergency Response Ahead of IRP Race

NASCAR Team’s Hauler Breakdown Sparks Emergency Response Ahead of IRP Race

Mike Harmon Racing (MHR) faced an unexpected setback this week as the team made its way to Indiana for the upcoming NASCAR Truck Series race. While en route to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP), the MHR hauler transporting the No. 74 entry encountered mechanical trouble and was forced to stop on the side of the highway. The breakdown led to a call for help on social media and a fire department response, adding pressure as teams prepare for Friday night’s TSport 200.

Key Highlights

  • Mike Harmon Racing’s hauler broke down en route to IRP in Indiana.

  • Incident occurred while transporting the No. 74 truck from Denver, North Carolina.

  • Fire department responded to assist the team.

  • MHR called on fans via social media to help locate a new truck to move the hauler.

  • Despite recent challenges, the team insists it remains fully operational.

Hauler Trouble Delays MHR’s Trip to IRP

The transportation issue occurred as Mike Harmon Racing attempted to make its way from Denver, North Carolina, to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in time for the NASCAR Truck Series race. The team’s hauler broke down mid-route, leaving the No. 74 truck stranded on the highway.

Photos shared online show fire department personnel on-site assisting the team. With time ticking ahead of the Friday night race, MHR issued a public plea for help, asking fans and the racing community to aid in locating a new truck capable of hauling the trailer to the track.

As of now, MHR has not confirmed whether a replacement has been secured or whether the No. 74 entry will make it to IRP in time for the event. The TSport 200 marks a critical opportunity for Truck Series teams—especially underfunded operations like MHR—to gain experience, visibility, and sponsorship exposure.

This latest hurdle is emblematic of the challenges often faced by smaller NASCAR teams trying to operate competitively on limited resources. While powerhouse teams arrive at tracks with multiple haulers and full support crews, operations like MHR frequently depend on just one hauler and a skeleton crew to make it through race weekends.

Ecosave 200

Mike Harmon Racing Stresses Stability Amid Recent Challenges

The hauler breakdown comes on the heels of Mike Harmon Racing withdrawing from last weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Bristol Motor Speedway. That decision raised questions about the stability of the team, prompting MHR to issue a statement to clarify its position and reaffirm its ongoing involvement in the sport.

“We want to set the record straight here with MHR.”

“Any rumors suggesting that MHR is closing operations are baseless and false without any merit. We decided to withdraw from Bristol as a strategic move to allow us to focus on next week’s race at Rockingham Speedway.” – Mike Harmon Racing

The team emphasized that its withdrawal from Bristol was not a sign of shutting down, but rather a logistical decision aimed at optimizing resources for the upcoming race. MHR also reaffirmed its commitment to fans and partners, saying,

“At MHR, we remain fully committed to our fans, sponsors, and the Xfinity Series. Our team and Mike Harmon are hard at work for our next race. We thank all of our fans for their unwavering support for our team. We can’t wait to see you next week out on the track.”

Mike Harmon Racing has continued to compete on a part-time basis in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, fielding the No. 74 entry in 2025 with Dawson Cram and Carson Ware sharing driving duties. Through the first eight races of the season, the team has qualified for three events, with its best finish being 32nd at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, finishing eight laps down.

While those results may not draw headlines, they represent the realities of a grassroots team striving to remain active amid the financial and logistical obstacles of modern NASCAR. The team’s commitment to showing up and racing—despite long odds—is part of what has made it a favorite among a certain subset of longtime fans who appreciate underdog efforts and old-school perseverance.

NASCAR's Secret Truck Series Union

News in Brief: Mike Harmon Racing’s Hauler Breakdown

Mike Harmon Racing’s NASCAR Truck Series hauler broke down on its way to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, prompting a response from the fire department and a fan outreach for towing assistance. The breakdown adds to a tough stretch for MHR, which recently withdrew from the Bristol Xfinity race to regroup for Rockingham. Despite the setbacks, the team affirms it remains active and committed to racing. Through eight Xfinity races in 2025, MHR’s No. 74 entry has qualified for three events, with drivers Dawson Cram and Carson Ware behind the wheel.

ALSO READ: Fans Weigh In as NASCAR’s Promotion Effort Becomes Legal Target

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest In NASCAR