Written by Adrian Beecher
Kevin Harvick started on the pole and was able to maintain his lead throughout most of the first stage of the race. Ryan Newman was the only other leader and he led 3 laps during stage 1.
There were no cautions during the first stage. However, Dale Earnhardt Jr. caught a flat tire on lap 70 in turn 3. He was able to save his car by controlling it coming into pit lane preventing a tailspin as he slowed the car down.Other points of note, the 51 of Cody Wake, who made his Cup Series debut today, was very slow to start the race. He was forced to get some early work on his car. This led to him going down 35 laps.
There were no cautions during the first stage. However, Dale Earnhardt Jr. caught a flat tire on lap 70 in turn 3. He was able to save his car by controlling it coming into pit lane preventing a tailspin as he slowed the car down.Other points of note, the 51 of Cody Wake, who made his Cup Series debut today, was very slow to start the race. He was forced to get some early work on his car. This led to him going down 35 laps.
After stage 1, there were only 17 cars on the lead lap. After Harvick in first, it was Brad Keselowski in 2nd, in 3rd was Chase Elliott, 4th was Martin Truex Jr. and finishing out the top 5 was Joey Logano.
