NASCAR sends four drivers to rear of Clash Last Chance Qualifier for unapproved adjustments

Tonight the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray gets underway. First, we have to get through the Last Chance Qualifier. The top two drivers in the 75-lap LCQ will advance to tonight’s main event, but for four drivers that will be easier said than done.

Ryan Blaney, John Hunter Nemechek, AJ Allmendinger, and Cole Custer are all going to the rear for unapproved adjustments. Nemechek, Allmendinger, and Custer all sustained damage in the Heat Races last night. Blaney’s team found an issue this afternoon with his water cooler.

For Blaney, the NASCAR Clash has a spot waiting for him. The 23rd spot is a provisional for the highest points finisher to not qualify for the Clash straight up. Blaney was runner-up last season, so that spot belongs to him.

Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports reported on the four drivers to the rear.

Blaney Nemechek Custer Allmendinger to rear of LCQ for adjustments.

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 2, 2025

Custer and Allmendinger got into it on the track. That led to Custer laying down a line that it isn’t a problem but can become a problem if Allmendinger insists. For now, those two are on good terms.

Nemechek on the other hand got punted by Ryan Preece during his Heat Race. That led to Nemehcek’s car having to undergo various repairs.

Blaney is the only one who did not get into a wreck on track. His water cooler and radiator were damaged. So, he’s getting repairs. He will likely run a few laps to make sure the car can hold up and then pull off for the main event. He will have the provisional for being the highest 2024 points earner not already in the NASCAR Clash.

Chase Elliott on pole for NASCAR Clash

On Saturday night, Chase Elliott had the fastest practice/qualifying time. He then went on to win his Heat Race from the pole, which is how all four Heat Races played out. Elliott earned the overall pole for tonight’s NASCAR Clash by virtue of his win.

With only 10 cars on the track at a time, we saw a glimpse of what the Bowman Gray track will deliver tonight. There is going to be a lot of physical racing, beating and banging, and a lot more. If we’re lucky, we’ll get a brawl out in the grass.

Kyle Busch got a warning last night. He was retaliating a bit against Justin Haley for unwarranted contact around the track. Busch advanced to the main event tonight while Haley will have to race his way in.

The NASCAR Clash has already been a lot of fun. We are going to get our two longest races of the weekend tonight. The Madhouse is going to be rocking and the drivers are going to have their elbows up.