Chase Elliott dodges Justin Haley during Lap 1 spin at Homestead-Miami

Disaster was avoided on the opening lap at Homestead-Miami Speedway as Justin Haley spun out in front of the field, narrowly missing Chase Elliott. Almost the entire NASCAR field had to dodge the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevy.

NASCAR Playoff drivers have to be thanking their lucky stars that they were not involved in this. Chase Elliott was close to it. Like, inches close.

There was minor damage to John Hunter Nemechek. Harrison Burton took damage as well. Both drivers got into the rear of other cars avoiding Justin Haley.

This could have changed everything.

CAUTION ON LAP 1!

Justin Haley goes for a long spin after cutting across the nose of Stenhouse into Turn 3.

Somehow everyone was able to check up and avoid the No. 7.#NASCAR #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/si1JOcoB5Q

— NASCAR on TSN (@NASCARonTSN) October 27, 2024

Haley made a poor move early. He had a great starting position after qualifying. During that first lap, he got antsy, came down on Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and got spun. Thankfully he didn’t take damage and there weren’t any major issues in the field.

From where he spun, Haley could have taken out everyone from Chase Elliott on back. Thank goodness this is Homestead-Miami and not a more narrow track like Darlington.

After wrecking at Las Vegas, Elliott and his team could not afford another issue today. Going to Martinsville having to win is a tall task. Instead, Elliott is still racing. Early in this race, Hendrick Motorsports looks strong. So do the Toyotas, especially 23XI Racing and Denny Hamlin.

Chase Elliott showing winning speed

If you are a Chase Elliott fan, you have to be excited. Stage 1 has been fantastic for Elliott. I’m not talking about points and all of that. Right now, Elliott isn’t focused on points, either. The only thing that gets him to Phoenix is a win.

So far in this race, Elliott has speed. He isn’t keeping up with the 23XI Racing duo of Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace. However, he is the top Chevy right now. This track is going to change as the day goes on, and that could flip everything around.

Keep an eye on Carson Hocevar. The rookie finished P5 in the stage, only two spots behind Elliott. If there is a spoiler in the making, it looks like it is down to Wallace and Hocevar early. Imagine this being his first career win? Last season Hocevar won the Homestead race in the Truck Series.

Early in this race, Hendrick drivers have had to dodge trouble. Chase Elliott avoided Justin Haley. Then Kyle Larson blew a tire. Good thing he was already inches from the wall and the impact wasn’t a big deal.