The opening lap of any race is always a high-stakes moment, and Sunday’s event was no exception. Right out of the gate, fans were nearly treated to an early spin when Cole Custer’s No. 41 car got a tap from Denny Hamlin.
As the field barreled into the first set of corners, the pack was tightly bunched, with drivers jostling for early positions. Hamlin, looking to make an aggressive move, made slight contact with the rear of Custer’s car. The No. 41 machine wobbled, momentarily looking like it would go around, but Custer showcased impressive car control to keep it straight and continue racing.
The near-spin didn’t just shake up Custer—it had a ripple effect on the drivers behind him. Several competitors checked up to avoid potential chaos, causing a shuffle in the running order. Fortunately, no further incidents occurred, and the race stayed green.
Custer, known for his resilience, quickly regained his composure and kept his Ford in the fight. Though it was a tense moment early on, he managed to recover without sustaining any major damage.
Hamlin, meanwhile, carried on without issue, continuing his push through the field. Whether the contact was an unfortunate racing moment or a sign of more aggressive battles to come remains to be seen.
With the race still unfolding, it’s clear that the opening lap intensity set the tone for what could be a thrilling showdown. Will Custer and Hamlin cross paths again before the checkered flag? Only time will tell.
