A 51‑lap–remaining collision between Chase Elliott and Christopher Bell triggered a NASCAR red‑flag crash that shut the Cup race down for a full work‑stop.
Collision and Wall Damage
While fighting for second behind Kyle Larson, Elliott leaned under Bell on the inside at Turn 3, snapping right and clipping the door of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Toyota. Bell swerved into the outside wall, breaking a section of the SAFER barrier, while Elliott’s Chevy slid onto a tire pack on the inside wall.
The impact dented the wall inward, rendering it impossible to resume the race until crews repaired the hole—a repair that spanned roughly 20 minutes.
Immediate Aftermath
Both cars were destroyed, yet Elliott and Bell extricated themselves promptly and shook hands, demonstrating sportsmanship amid the wreck. Kyle Larson’s No. 5 vehicle saw a side‑window blast onto the roof from the ensuing debris.
The tenth caution of the event, with 50 laps still left to run, also tied the 2006 record for the longest caution period.
Elliott’s Reaction
After treatment at the infield care center, Elliott briefed reporters including Motorsport.com, explaining, “I ran on the bottom, wanted to spin out, and got loose. I over‑corrected, and bent right into Bell, who hit the wall before I did.”
He added, “It was a huge hit for Bell and for me. I did not intend for this to happen, and I apologized to him immediately.”
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