NASCAR driver Max Gutiérrez involved in car accident; brother Federico dies

Brothers Max and Federico Gutiérrez were involved in an automobile accident Sunday in Mexico. Federico, the younger brother known as “Fico,” passed away. Max was airlifted to a Mexico City hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Max Gutiérrez, 20, is an up-and-coming driver who competed in four NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races in 2022 for AM Racing. He also has several ARCA Menards Series starts on his resume, including a victory in 2021 in the ARCA Menards Series East at Florida’s New Smyrna Speedway.

Fico Gutiérrez, 17, was a rising star in the NASCAR Mexico Challenge Series after progressing from the Mexico Truck Series. Max Gutiérrez won the 2018 Mexico Truck Series championship.

Fico Gutiérrez was the 2022 NASCAR Mexico Challenge Series Rookie of the Year.

Below is NASCAR’s statement on Sunday’s tragic accident:

“We are devastated by the loss of our friend and driver Federico Gutiérrez Hoppe. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gutiérrez family during this difficult time.”

NASCAR México Series se une a la pena de la Familia, Gutiérrez, por la partida de nuestro piloto y amigo Federico Gutiérrez Hoppe 🕊 pic.twitter.com/puuRIbvxbc

– NASCAR MÉXICO SERIES (@NASCARMex) January 30, 2023