Blaney, the reigning series champion, appeared on track for a strong finish and likely to contend for the win after finishing sixth and third, respectively, in the race’s first two stages.
However, as the final stage got underway, Blaney and Preece made contact racing for position on the track and eventually on lap 181 of 276, Preece got into Blaney hard off Turn 2 which sent Blaney’s No. 12 Ford into the wall.
