That’s a tough break for @AustinDillon3, @AustinCindric and @derek9kraus early in Sunday’s race at Phoenix.
Cindric is done for the afternoon, while Dillon has fallen multiple laps down.#NASCAR
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) March 10, 2024
For the third time in four NASCAR Cup Series events in 2024, Austin Dillon has sustained significant damage to the No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro in the opening 10 laps of a race. Each time, despite significant damage, the Welcome, North Carolina native has been able to continue, and for now, it appears that trend will continue.
The accident happened outside the top 25 in the running order, when Derek Kraus was straddling the yellow line on the inside of the racetrack, which caused his No. 16 Chevrolet to snap sideways and spin around.
In the aftermath, both Austin Cindric and Austin Dillon were blinded by the smoke as Kraus spun on the backstretch, leaving them with nowhere to go and colliding with the stationary Kaulig Racing machine, which ironically enough, sustained the least damage.
Cindric, a third-year driver for Team Penske, had major suspension damage to his No. 2 Menards Ford Mustang Dark Horse, resulting in the first DNF of the season for the Mooresville, North Carolina-native. He will finish last place (36th), barring any post-race inspection issues.
Austin Dillon crumpled the hood of his Chevrolet Camaro in a major way, but his Richard Childress Racing team was able to get the No. 3 back on track, albeit three laps off the pace. Derek Kraus on the other hand, remained on the lead lap, and 10 laps later holds down the 34th position.
