If it wasn’t for some heads-up driving by the entire field, there would have been a massive crash at the end of Stage 1 of the Daytona 500.
AJ Allmendinger was getting caught by the leaders and decided to stay in the middle of the track, despite being slower by about 10-20 mph.
Lapped cars hold up some of the leaders as Brad Keselowski wins Stage 1! #Daytona500 pic.twitter.com/TiP41dnulq
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) February 19, 2023
Ryan Blaney, in particular, was irate at Allmendinger for his move. Over his radio, Blaney called Allmendinger “the stupidest race car driver ever,” and an “absolute f***ing idiot.”
.@AJDinger's decision to not get out of the way earned him the free pass. But didn't earn him friends.@Blaney was negatively impacted. "AJ Allmendinger is the stupidest race car driver ever." Said that "was not smart." #NASCAR
— Davey Segal (@DaveyCenter) February 19, 2023
Blaney after Allmendinger got in his way- "An absolute f-ing idiot." #NASCAR #DAYTONA500
— Richard Allen/MotorsportsReport (@RichardAllenMSR) February 19, 2023
Blaney still ticked at Allmendinger- "What did he think was going to happen when we're coming two-wide 20mph faster and he just stuck it right in the middle? Can't believe we didn't wreck." #DAYTONA500
— Richard Allen/MotorsportsReport (@RichardAllenMSR) February 19, 2023
Allmendinger is no doubt going to be the most hated driver of the early part of the race, but in his mind, the juice was worth the squeeze. Allmendinger knew that if he remained in contact with the leaders for another lap or two, he would win the free pass and get back on the lead lap. As @nascarman_rr pointed out, Ross Chastain did something similar at the end of Stage 1 at Talladega last year to remain on the lead lap. Chastain wound up winning that race.
That Allmendinger move at the end of the stage was similar to one Chastain pulled at Talladega last year. Getting lapped, pull out of line, get in front of leaders, pass other lapped car, get free pass. Probably make drivers mad but good strategy #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/4jOLqYofA1
— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) February 19, 2023
Brad Keselowski wound up taking advantage of the bottom lane being held up and won Stage 1. Bubba Wallace, who hit the wall after a bump from Martin Truex Jr., remained a lap down due to Allmendinger’s move.
