Semi-truck hauling race car catches fire on I-40 in Jefferson County

DANDRIDGE, Tenn., June 20, 2025 – A dramatic scene unfolded on Interstate 40 West yesterday morning as a semi-truck transporting a Venturini Motorsports ARCA race car caught fire, bringing traffic to a standstill and sending thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the Tennessee sky. The incident, which occurred around 11:00 a.m. near Exit 417 in Dandridge, resulted in no injuries but left the race team’s hauler significantly damaged.

The rig was transporting the No. 55 Toyota Camry XSE, slated to be driven by rising star Isabella Robusto in the upcoming Shore Lunch 250 at Elko Speedway in Minnesota. According to Dandridge Fire Chief Andy Riley, the blaze originated from a blown tire on the trailer, which then ignited the structure itself.

“The initial call came in as a vehicle fire, but upon arrival, it was clear this was a significant event involving a large transport vehicle,” said Chief Riley. “Our crews acted swiftly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to the valuable cargo inside.”

Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames licking the sides of the white trailer before emergency services arrived. The swift response from the Dandridge Fire Department was crucial in preventing a total loss. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze before it could fully penetrate the trailer and engulf the race car.

Venturini Motorsports has confirmed that while the hauler sustained considerable damage to its floor and exterior, the No. 55 race car appears to have been spared from the flames. The team is currently assessing the full extent of the damage and making alternative arrangements to ensure the car and equipment arrive in Minnesota for this weekend’s race.

“We are incredibly grateful that no one was harmed in this incident,” a spokesperson for Venturini Motorsports said in a statement. “The quick action of the Dandridge Fire Department saved our race car, and we are now focused on the logistical challenge of getting our team to Elko Speedway. We are confident that Isabella will be on the track and ready to compete.”

The fire caused the complete closure of I-40 West for a period, leading to extensive traffic delays that stretched for miles, impacting the I-81 interchange. One lane of the interstate was reopened by approximately 11:30 a.m., though normal traffic flow was not restored until later in the afternoon as crews worked to clear the scene.

Isabella Robusto, who was traveling separately from the hauler, was informed of the incident shortly after it occurred. The rookie driver is in the midst of her first full-time season in the ARCA Menards Series.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol was on the scene to manage the traffic snarl and conduct an investigation into the incident. Their preliminary findings support the fire department’s conclusion that a tire blowout was the preliminary cause. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of interstate travel, even for the highly specialized and seemingly robust world of professional motorsports.