Published 01/30/2023, 11:28 AM EST
In perhaps the most tragic news in the NASCAR world as of late, Max Gutierrez, the 20-year-old racecar driver from Mexico, and his brother Federico (17), got in a serious car accident on Sunday. The brothers were in a Porsche when their car struck a Ford pickup truck.
When the concerned authorities reached the scene, Federico was pronounced dead on the spot while Max was airlifted to Mexico City where his condition isn’t clear but according to Motorsport, he could be released by Monday.
Gutierrez’s team, Rette Jones Racing released a statement in which they offered their “deepest sympathies” to the family of their driver for the loss of their younger son.
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“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family, but also with Max during his recovery and grieving process,” the statement read.
Max Gutierrez’s tragedy shakes the NASCAR world
NASCAR fans, who are known to be some of the fiercest and most brutal and outspoken critics of the drivers, and the sport, while having that side, also have just as much, if not more, compassion, and empathy for the same people.
Naturally, the news of what happened with the Gutierrez family not only shook the fans but also left them praying that those involved have the strength to cope with the loss.
Has Max Gutierrez raced in the American Truck Series?
For the majority of his career so far, Max Gutierrez has raced in NASCAR’s Mexico Series. In fact, he has tasted quite a lot of success there. He was the champion of the 2018 Truck Mexico Series as well as the winner of the 2020 Mexico Challenge Series.
As for whether he has run in the United States, the answer is, yes, he has. But only a few times.
He took part in some Truck Series races and some ARCA races in the last few years. In 2021, he ran in the ARCA East with Rette Jones Racing and finished in an impressive fourth position.
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Federico Guiterrez too ran in the Late Model races in the United States as well.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Truck Series CRC Brakleen 150, Jul 23, 2022 Long Pond, Pennsylvania, USA NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Max Gutierrez 22, driver Corey Heim 51 and driver Timmy Hill 56 race during the CRC Brakleen 150 at Pocono Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports, 23.07.2022 12:29:49, 18735729, Timmy Hill, Pocono Raceway, Nascar, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMatthewxOHarenx 18735729
But for now, we hope their family gets the strength and courage to deal with the loss of their son.
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Rest in Peace Fico.