Brad Keselowski captures Stage 1 of Coke Zero 400

Written by Erik Slaby

Nine laps into the race, the first caution flag came out when both Cole Whitt, in the #72 RTIC Coolers Chevrolet and Ryan Sieg, in the #83 Dustless Blasting Toyota ran into mechanical problems. Also, after those nine laps Brad Keselowski, in the #2 Detroit Genuine Parts Ford led all cars.

The second caution flag came out after lap 14 when DJ Kennington, in the #15 Exchange of America/LordCo Toyota ran into engine problems when he veered off the track after Turn Four and his engine caught on fire. After 14 laps, Keselowski continued to lead the pack. After lap 28, Kevin Harvick, in the #4 Jimmy John’s Ford, took the lead from Keselowski. After lap 31, Keselowski quickly retook the lead. Harvick jumped back into the lead after lap 33.

From laps 34 to 40, Earnhardt raced back into the top three and led at various points but Keselowski managed to get past him before the end of each lap. After 40 laps, Keselowski won Stage 1.  Keselowski was able to use great blocking techniques to get in front of every car that came close to passing him.