In a thrilling NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, Cole Custer secured his 10th career victory by triumphing in a dramatic triple-overtime finish. Driving the No. 07 Ford, a collaboration between Stewart-Haas Racing and SS Green Light Racing, Custer led a total of 80 laps over the extended 165-lap event, which was prolonged by three overtime periods and 12 caution flags.
The race, initially scheduled for 150 laps, was delayed by a 23-minute red flag during the second overtime due to a significant incident involving Brandon Jones, who collided with sand barrels at the pit entrance. This necessitated the activation of the track’s rarely used lights to complete the race under the night sky.
Custer’s triumph was particularly poignant as it marked his second victory at his home track, following his first win there in 2019. He outpaced runner-up Noah Gragson by 0.565 seconds, with Trevor Bayne finishing third. Despite encountering challenges such as slow pit stops that forced him to restart from the fourth row, Custer’s performance was characterized by resilience and speed. He regained the lead on lap 145 and maintained it through the final overtime, showcasing his prowess on the track.
This victory not only added to Custer’s career achievements but also underscored his exceptional skill and determination in navigating the complexities of a race marked by multiple restarts and intense competition.
