Off-Road Racers Hospitalised After Fuel Cell Explosion in Mexico
Two off-road racing competitors have been pictured from their hospital beds after a terrifying incident in Mexico left their vehicle engulfed in flames. Janey Lee and Kylie Marie Walton are currently recovering in the San Diego area following Tuesday's accident during preparations for this week's San Felipe 250 race.
Horrific Ordeal During Pre-Run
According to an emotional Instagram post from Janey's husband, Eric, the accident occurred at approximately 11am on Tuesday. The car caught fire under Janey's seat and her seat belts did not release, creating a life-threatening situation. Eric, a skateboarder and off-road enthusiast himself, became overwhelmed while recounting the details of his wife's near-death experience.
He credited Walton, the car's other occupant, with saving his wife's life. At that point, she was fully engulfed in flames, Kylie had to reach in and release the seat belt for her, Eric explained. Kylie saved Janey's life. As a result, Kylie's hands were burnt. Janey's gloves and PCI helmet saved her hands and her face.
Severe Injuries and Long Recovery Ahead
While both women remain in positive spirits, Eric stressed that Janey has sustained extensive burns requiring multiple surgeries. Her right leg is not as bad as her left leg, he detailed. Her left leg is burned pretty bad, and she has some burns on her shoulder here that will also require some grafting. She's a trooper, and she's in good spirits.
Walton will also require surgery for her burned hands, though Eric noted that both women are demonstrating remarkable resilience. Kylie's hands were burnt. She will require a little surgery for her hands. She's in good spirits too. The girls are tough. They really are.
Community Support and Emergency Response
Eric expressed gratitude for the off-road community's overwhelming support and specifically thanked the helicopter crew that transported the women to safety. The two motorsport stars were flown to San Diego for specialized burn treatment following the initial local response.
SCORE International, the sanctioning body for the event, released a statement on Wednesday confirming the accident. This morning, SCORE International officials became aware of an accident involving two competitors with their pre-run vehicle in San Felipe, they stated. Both are currently stable and receiving medical care. Thanks to the rapid response of those nearby, they received initial treatment locally before being transported to the United States for further emergency care.
Background of the Competitors
Lee and Walton are better known as members of the Monster Energy Girls, a squad of women frequently seen at motorsport and MMA events. However, in recent years they have transitioned from promotional roles to active competitors behind the wheel, making their SCORE event debut last September.
Monster Energy has publicly expressed support, stating: Sending all our love and good vibes to Kylie and Janey. The San Felipe 250 serves as the opening event for the 2026 SCORE World Desert Championship, a 250-mile race held on the Baja California peninsula.
The off-road racing community has rallied around the injured competitors, with SCORE International adding: This sport is built on a tight community, and moments like this are felt across all of it. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, their families, and their teams.
