
Aric Almirola’s recent string of momentum continued in Stage 1 of Wednesday’s NASCAR All Star Open race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Almirola got by Michael McDowell for the lead on lap 11, and wouldn’t look back as he led the final 25 laps of the Stage. While Almirola was on cruise control for the Stage Win, chaos was happening behind him.
Bubba Wallace, who led fan voting earlier in the week, was sent crashing out while running third late in the Stage. McDowell made contact, which ended Wallace’s All Star hopes.
In Stage 2, it was William Byron who took over the point, as he led all 35 laps of the Stage and the overall winner of the open race was Matt DiBenedetto, which secured his place in Wednesday night’s big show as well.
Joining Almirola, Byron and DiBenedetto in the All Star Race will be Clint Bowyer, who took the fan vote.