Aric Almirola started on the pole for the 2018 Monster Energy Open after qualifying was canceled. Alex Bowman made a pass on Erik Joens on lap 4 and went to work on catching Almirola. After losing 2nd to Paul Menard momentarily, Bowman would recover and overtake the lead from Almirola on lap 12.
Bowman would hold on to take the stage 1 win and punch his ticket into the All-Star Race.