Cole Custer under investigation by NASCAR for actions at Charlotte ROVAL

Stewart-Haas Racing

     Following Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series “ROVAL” 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, it was revealed that the NASCAR sanctioning body has opened an investigation upon Cole Custer, concerning his actions on-track.

Entering the backstretch chicane in the final lap at the ROVAL, Cole Custer braked generously into the turn. In doing so, competitors Austin Dillon and Erik Jones were held up, and teammate Chase Briscoe was easily able to pass all three drivers.

Chase Briscoe entering the backstretch chicane after passing Austin Dillon, Erik Jones and Cole Custer on the final lap of the “ROVAL” 400 [Photo from NASCAR on NBC broadcast]

This feat is significant, due to the fact that Chase Briscoe was facing elimination from the NASCAR Playoffs. Passing these drivers on the final lap of the race earned Briscoe two points, enough to push him above the cut line. 

Some question has been risen on whether Cole Custer’s drastic braking was an intentional move to help his teammate advance, and whether Custer broke any rules in doing so. 

NASCAR will examine this incident using data, video and audio transmission from the Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 car, during the closing laps of the race. 

NASCAR did note in their press release that any decision made about the incident will not affect the Round-of-Eight Playoff field. In essence, this means that regardless of NASCAR’s decision, Chase Briscoe is locked into the next round of the NASCAR Playoffs.

 

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