How Cole Custer allegedly ‘manufactured’ Kyle Larson’s playoff exit
Kyle Larson was eliminated from the cup play-off after failing to score a decent finish at ROVAL. Chase Briscoe, a playoff rookie, secured Larson’s playoff spot to progress to the next round. The defending champion’s downfall was prompted by his crash into the wall with just 12 laps remaining.
But it wasn’t just the wall that cost Kyle Larson his playoff spot. Stewart Hass Racing allegedly manipulated the race result to ensure the progression of Chase Briscoe to the next round. Briscoe’s SHR teammate Cole Custer made some curious moves in the final laps to ensure the former had a decent finish.
Christopher Bell needed a win to advance and gets it done! Defending champion Kyle Larson misses advancing by 2 points. 👀 #Roval
— Josh Sims (@JoshRSims) October 9, 2022
Cole Custer, supposedly slow down the backstretch and into the chicane and helped Briscoe to overtake Austin Dillon and Erik Jones who were ahead of the No:14 car. This move helped the SHR driver to secure a P9 finish and secure enough points to move on to the Round of 8. Cole Custer was only able to finish at P24.
Also read: The ‘dumb mistake’ that cost Kyle Larson his cup championship
NASCAR announces an investigation into Cole Custers curious actions
NASCAR, soon after the race, released a statement on social media announcing an investigation into Custers’ actions. Though Custer might be penalized for his action, NASCAR acknowledged that the penalty wouldn’t affect the Round of 8 grid lineup.
“NASCAR is reviewing data, video, and radio transmissions from the 41-car following its incident on the backstretch during the final lap. NASCAR will communicate the results of the review early this week. Any potential penalties would not affect the Round of 8 fields,” NASCAR Tweeted.
Statement:
NASCAR is reviewing data, video and radio transmissions from the 41 car following its incident on the backstretch during the final lap. NASCAR will communicate the results of the review early this week. Any potential penalties would not affect the Round of 8 field.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 9, 2022
The fans on Twitter weren’t happy about the race investigation announcement as it validates the Round of 8 lineups. They pointed out that if Cole Custer hadn’t helped Briscoe he and Larson would have been tied for 8th.
They penilzed the 15 AND 56 in '13 so they should penalize the 41 AND 14.
— Willy G (@WillyG67445804) October 9, 2022
Says the Larson fan. What’s your opinion of Bristol last fall with Larson/Elliot/HMS??? 🧐
— Laura Harnish (@LauraHarnish) October 9, 2022
Briscoe has the tiebreaker (highest finish in the "round").
— Omar (@OmarVA22) October 9, 2022
IIUC Briscoe had the tie breaker so even if he didn't pass 2 cars, he still would have made the cut tied with Larson.
Not to mention that there is nothing in the rules about letting a teammate pass and holding up others. If there was then they would give penalties every race.
— FlameCCT (@FlameCCT) October 10, 2022
You know that could happen with a straight-up points system? Right?
— BMG12 (@BigMikeGwood12) October 9, 2022
What are your thoughts on Cole Custer’s move?
Also read: ‘That was the most rigged shit ever,’ NASCAR Twitter reacts to Christopher Bell’s chaotic ROVAL win
Also read: Where will Jimmie Johnson race next season?
