AJ Allmendinger and Cole Custer were seen engaged in a tense exchange following the final heat race at Bowman Gray Stadium ahead of the NASCAR Cook Out Clash. The incident unfolded after both drivers collided at Turn 3, sparking a heated confrontation between the two competitors. Allmendinger and Custer, who recently returned to the NASCAR Cup Series from the Xfinity Series, faced a tough challenge during their comeback.
The crash resulted in Custer hitting the wall, with further contact between the two drivers escalating the tension. This collision significantly affected both drivers’ races, as neither managed to secure a spot in the main event on Sunday. Both now face the task of making it through the Last Chance Qualifier.
NASCAR reporter Noah Lewis posted a video of the heated discussion on social media, where Allmendinger expressed frustration, saying, “‘I got tight…’ to Custer,” to which Custer replied, making it clear that he wouldn’t be concerned unless the issue continued to happen.
Bowman Gray Stadium, the oldest continuously operating NASCAR track, is notorious for its small, 0.25-mile layout and flat turns, which often lead to aggressive racing and frequent contact among drivers. This environment, known for increasing tensions, was a perfect backdrop for the clash between Allmendinger and Custer. The event structure also made it more competitive, with only the top five from each heat advancing directly to the main race, adding even more pressure on the drivers.
Allmendinger, who began his career in open-wheel racing before transitioning successfully to stock cars, has become known for his emotional victories and self-critical nature. In 2023, he joined Kaulig Racing and found success, including a memorable win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Cup Series.
Custer, a driver with a legacy in NASCAR through Haas Automation, now drives for the Haas Factory Team, a new entity formed after the closure of Stewart Haas Racing in 2024. Custer, proud of his ties to Haas Automation, has expressed his determination to help build the team into a successful contender, acknowledging the challenge of establishing the team as a race-winning organization.
