Cole Custer reveals postrace discussion with AJ Allmendinger: ‘If it happens in the future, it’ll be a major problem’

For Cole Custer, tonight ended with a bit of drama. Custer got into it on the track with AJ Allmendinger and both ended up worse for wear. Neither driver advanced to tomorrow’s NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray. But have one more shot at it.

Cole Custer is back in the Cup Series after two seasons in the Xfinity Series. He was able to win a championship during that time in the lower series.

Back at the top level of NASCAR with Haas Factory Team, Custer is being reminded how tough it can be. Allmendinger got into his driver’s side and bounced him off the wall. Both drivers ended up with damage.

Following the race, Custer talked to Allmendinger. Sounds like it isn’t going to be a problem unless it becomes a problem.

“Yeah I mean, I’m okay with letting it go just because how much of a mess [racing at Bowman Gray] really is,” Custer said, via Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut. “But I told him if it happens in the future you know, it’s going to be a major problem, obviously. We’ll see how, we’ll just go on to the next one.”

Cole Custer and AJ Allmendinger will both go into the Last Chance Qualifier. The 75-lap race will give them a chance to make it into Sunday’s finale. However, only the winner and runner-up will advance from the LCQ. 20 of the 23 spots have already been determined.

The final spot in the Clash at Bowman Gray is a provisional. That provisional will go to the highest 2024 points earner who didn’t qualify already.

Cole Custer warns AJ Allmendinger after run-in

Much like Cole Custer, AJ Allmendinger is making a return to the NASCAR Cup Series this season. Allmendinger spent just one year in the secondary series before making it back up to Cup.

Kaulig Racing appears to be a bit lost. Rudderless, if you will. But Allmendinger could right the ship with his veteran leadership. Of course, he could also win a race or two on the road and street courses.

For Cole Custer, his job is to build a program. Haas Factory Team is brand new, for all intents and purposes. This team lives and dies with Custer. He is the only driver for the team. That can be a lot of pressure.

These two drivers are making a return to the Cup Series. Both of them are looking to find their footing early on. Hopefully, we don’t see them run into each other too much… who am I kidding? I hope they race side-by-side all year long.