Custer claims first Cup win in the Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart on Sunday afternoon, July 12th at Kentucky Speedway.
Kentucky Speedway has given teams a challenge in trying to manage the low banked corners of a fast intermediate track. A change was made a few years ago to make turns three and four shallower in banking than turns one and two. The modification makes the track unique to other 1.5-mile courses on the schedule.
The First Stage
Kyle Busch brought the field to the green flag, but Aric Almirola took over the lead shortly afterward. Almirola’s car was extremely fast in clean air as he kept the lead through the completion caution on lap 25. Aric Almirola was able to keep the pace and win the first stage of the race.
The Second Stage
Aric Almirola jumped out to an early lead in the second stage. He increased his lead through the latter half of the stage, but Ryan Blaney began to hunt him down. With Almirola caught up in lapped traffic, Blaney makes the pass for the lead late in the second stage. Matt Kenseth brings out the caution after losing control of his car. With the leaders coming down pit road, Brad Keselowski stayed out to take the lead. Keselowski wins the second stage after taking the lead on a one-lap shootout.
The Third Stage
Brad Keselowski controlled the field coming to the green flag in the third stage, but it was Martin Truex Jr. taking the lead on the restart. The race continued into a long green-flag run with Truex Jr. at the helm.
With the race winding down, another caution flag waves with John Hunter Nemechek catching the fence.
On the following restart, Jimmie Johnson spins through the infield grass after connecting with Brad Keselowski.
The next restart, Kevin Harvick makes his way to the front of the field. His lead did not last for very long as Matt Kenseth spins once again to bring out the final caution and restart.
Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. battle side by side coming to the white flag. Suddenly, Cole Custer and Ryan Blaney force four-wide action on the front stretch. After Truex Jr. and Harvick make contact, Custer shoots down into turn one with the lead. Martin Truex Jr. was not able to catch him and Cole Custer wins his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race.
The Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart Results
The NASCAR Cup Series Point Standings
Cole Custer has won many Xfinity Series races the same way he won Sunday’s Cup Series race. Racing hard on the final restart, and putting himself in position for good things to happen. The final restart and closing laps of this race was the most exciting ending to a race this year. It’s awesome to see a rookie step up and beat Cup Series champions and veterans. Cole Custer’s career is just beginning, and with more experience, he will keep improving to be a dominant driver in the sport.