Austin Cindric, AJ Allmendinger clang fenders at Stage 1 finish

© James Gilbert Getty Images Austin Cindric, AJ Allmendinger clang fenders at Stage 1 finish Road-course pros Austin Cindric and AJ Allmendinger damaged their hopes for a Daytona International Speedway road course victory Saturday, making significant contact at the end of Stage 1 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Super Start Batteries 188.

RELATED: Leaderboard | At-track photos: Daytona

Cindric, the defending Xfinity Series champion, led the first 10 laps in the first stage before giving way to Allmendinger. Cindric’s No. 22 Team Penske Ford chased Allmendinger’s No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet through the final chicane, and then dove to the inside groove headed to the start/finish line as the green-checkered flag flew.

Gallery: Five to Watch: Story lines for the Daytona Road Course (NASCAR)

Allmendinger kept his car tight on Cindric’s and the two came together in their contest for the lead. Allmendinger’s No. 16 entry took the brunt of it with a spin into the infield grass, and Cindric sustained front-end damage just before capturing the Stage 1 win.

Riley Herbst’s No. 98 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford was sidelined after an infield excursion to avoid Allmendinger’s car ended his day.

This story will be updated.

]]>