NASCAR fans will be breathing easy after hearing that Thomas Annunziata is safe and healthy. 

After his Tricon Garage No. 1 Toyota was engulfed in flames and smoke on lap 79 of the Truck race at Lime Rock Park, Annunziata was immediately taken to the medical care centre, with Tricon confirming that he was conscious and alright. 

Annunziata was taken to the hospital after having inhaled fumes while attempting to get out of his truck and was treated quickly enough. Fans who were left worried and praying for his good health will be pleased to see Annunziata’s update after the incident. 

Annunziata took to X and posted a heartfelt caption that read, “I want to start by saying I’m OK. I really appreciate all the messages and concern after yesterday—just swallowed a little fire, that’s all.”

Annunziata started his first Truck race of the season and his 6th in all from 4th place and was a top contender for the win, running within the top two for a large chunk of the race. Annunziata’s X post continued:

“On the racing side, what a weekend. @TRICONGarage gave me a race-winning truck. We qualified up front, ran up front all day, and were lining up on the front row with a shot to win before our day came to an early end. Not bad for my second Truck Series start—we’ll be back. 👊”

At 21, Annunziata is a top prospect currently racing in the ARCA Menards Series, in which he won the race before his incident in the truck race. 

Fans express relief on Annunziata’s update

Annunziata will be thanking all the powers that be that he was able to get out of his car in time before he inhaled more fumes or the flames got higher. And it’s not just the Toyota driver; even NASCAR fans are thankful for his health and well-being following a major scare. 

On Annunziata’s, multiple comments came in, most of them being fans glad that he’s okay. 

One fan commented, “Thoroughly enjoyed watching your Arca win this weekend.  You were looking poised to possibly win the Truck race as well.  Much love, Thomas!  Glad you are safe.”

Another wrote, “Scary stuff. Glad you’re alright. Congrats on the ARCA win this weekend.” 

One fan on track recorded a video of the helicopter that transported Annunziata to the hospital and wrote, “Glad you’re okay! Was still pretty cool to watch the helicopter take off yesterday.”

Another fan wished Annunziata the very best, “Take care of yourself! I’m sure you are following medical advice, and I pray for your continued healing ❤️‍🩹”

One fan summed up what all race fans would be feeling after seeing Annunziata’s car catch on fire: “Really sucks that happened, but looking forward to seeing you make more truck starts.”

We too can’t wait to see Annunziata back on track, racing out front.

Read more at Daytona Racing Digest.

Written by

Debrup Chaudhuri

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason