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. Motorsport reported that 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 the driver for the loss of their younger son.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family, but also with Max during his recovery and grieving process,” the statement read.

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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, 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 most 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 has taken part in a few Truck Series and 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 Gutierrez, too, ran in the Late Model races in the United States as well.

But for now, we hope their family gets the strength and courage to deal with the loss of their son. Rest in Peace Fico.