Portland Turns Perilous as NASCAR Star Escapes What Could’ve Been a Brutal Outcome

Portland International Raceway, steeped in history and regarded as the Pacific Northwest’s premier racing venue, has been a centerpiece of American motorsports since its opening in 1961. The challenging 1.967-mile road course, with 12 turns and a mix of asphalt and concrete, has hosted a variety of high-profile events, including the SCCA Trans-Am Series, CART IndyCar races, and the ARCA Menards Series. But now, as the NASCAR Xfinity Series hit the track for the thrilling finishes and demanding technical precision, what unfolded was rather horrific.

During the Pacific Office Automation 147, Matt DiBenedetto, driving the No. 99 Chevy for Viking Motorsports, was embroiled in an incident that tested the limits of both his composure and the sport’s safety systems. Late in Stage 1, DiBenedetto suddenly felt searing heat from beneath his feet. “There was a big fire at my feet,” he recalled, describing the moment flames erupted inside the cockpit. Immediate action was crucial as he pulled off the track, desperately trying to exit.

The situation escalated when his shoelace became tangled around the pedals, trapping him in the blazing inferno. “I was actually stuck. Feet were directly in the flames,” DiBenedetto said, painting a harrowing picture of the seconds that followed. Despite the protective fire-resistant suit and heat shields designed to safeguard drivers, the intensity of the flames melted his shoes, emphasizing the severity of the hazard.

Displaying remarkable determination, DiBenedetto made several valiant attempts to free himself. “I prayed on the third attempt, getting out for God to get me out of that thing,” he confessed. On that third and final try, he succeeded in climbing out of the burning vehicle and collapsed onto the grass, where medical personnel quickly provided aid, and he was taken to the infield care center.

Thanks to NASCAR’s advanced safety protocols, including fire suppression systems within the car and swift trackside emergency response, DiBenedetto escaped without burns or injury. He even showed burnt marks on his footwear, but thankfully, he suffered no burns in the incident. What is more that he returned to the race and finished 34th.

While the gripping drama of Matt DiBenedetto’s fiery escape occupied much of the attention at Portland International Raceway, the 2025 Pacific Office Automation 147 NASCAR Xfinity Series race also showcased a thrilling battle for supremacy on this storied circuit.

Matt DiBenedetto’s fiery escape and Connor Zilisch’s victory

The winner of the event was 19-year-old sensation Connor Zilisch, driving the No. 88 WeatherTech Chevrolet for JR Motorsports. Zilisch demonstrated remarkable skill and composure throughout the 75-lap race, commanding the track with a blend of speed and strategic precision.

Starting from the pole, Zilisch dominated the early and middle stages, pulling away to significant leads by the end of the first two stages. However, the race’s closing laps presented intense challenges typical of Portland’s unpredictable road course. Multiple cautions and a frenetic overtime restart with less than ten laps remaining brought the field back together and set the stage for a nail-biting finish.

On the final restart, Zilisch faced fierce competition, notably from Austin Hill. In a high-stakes duel, Zilisch was briefly pressured after contact disrupted the pace. Displaying poise, he made a decisive move through the penalty area to maintain momentum and avoid the chicane, a critical decision that allowed him to surge ahead legally as the leaders slowed behind him.

Crossing the finish line first, Zilisch secured his eighth victory of the 2025 season, further cementing his status as one of NASCAR’s brightest young stars poised for even greater success. Reflecting after the win, Zilisch called it “awesome” and expressed pride in his team’s performance, especially given his recent recovery from collarbone surgery.

He said, “I just cut the track, I don’t know…. Our car was as fast as Xfinity Mobile all day, and to come back two weeks after collarbone surgery, it hurt, but it hurt so good. So yeah, it’s awesome, man. So proud of this No. 88 team, it’s been such a fun year, and let’s go get ourselves a championship.”

As the season progresses, his consistent excellence positions him strongly in the chase for the championship, while the dramatic events of the race weekend serve as a potent reminder of motorsport’s unpredictable blend of triumph and adversity.