How Cole Custer allegedly ‘manufactured’ Kyle Larson’s playoff exit

Kyle Larson and Cole Custer (Images via IMAGO/ USA Network )

Kyle Larson was eliminated from the cup play-off after failing to score a decent finish at ROVAL. Chase Briscoe, a playoff rookie, secured Larson’s playoff spot to progress to the next round. The defending champion’s downfall was prompted by his crash into the wall with just 12 laps remaining.

But it wasn’t just the wall that cost Kyle Larson his playoff spot. Stewart Hass Racing allegedly manipulated the race result to ensure the progression of Chase Briscoe to the next round. Briscoe’s SHR teammate Cole Custer made some curious moves in the final laps to ensure the former had a decent finish.

Christopher Bell needed a win to advance and gets it done! Defending champion Kyle Larson misses advancing by 2 points. ? #Roval
— Josh Sims (@JoshRSims) October 9, 2022

Cole Custer, supposedly slow down the backstretch and into the chicane and helped Briscoe to overtake Austin Dillon and Erik Jones who were ahead of the No:14 car. This move helped the SHR driver to secure a P9 finish and secure enough points to move on to the Round of 8. Cole Custer was only able to finish at P24.

FS Video

Also read: The ‘dumb mistake’ that cost Kyle Larson his cup championship

NASCAR announces an investigation into Cole Custers curious actions

NASCAR, soon after the race, released a statement on social media announcing an investigation into Custers’ actions. Though Custer might be penalized for his action, NASCAR acknowledged that the penalty wouldn’t affect the Round of 8 grid lineup.

“NASCAR is reviewing data, video, and radio transmissions from the 41-car following its incident on the backstretch during the final lap. NASCAR will communicate the results of the review early this week. Any potential penalties would not affect the Round of 8 fields,” NASCAR Tweeted.

Statement:

NASCAR is reviewing data, video and radio transmissions from the 41 car following its incident on the backstretch during the final lap. NASCAR will communicate the results of the review early this week. Any potential penalties would not affect the Round of 8 field.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 9, 2022

The fans on Twitter weren’t happy about the race investigation announcement as it validates the Round of 8 lineups. They pointed out that if Cole Custer hadn’t helped Briscoe he and Larson would have been tied for 8^th.

They penilzed the 15 AND 56 in '13 so they should penalize the 41 AND 14.
— Willy G (@WillyG67445804) October 9, 2022

Says the Larson fan. What’s your opinion of Bristol last fall with Larson/Elliot/HMS??? ?
— Laura Harnish (@LauraHarnish) October 9, 2022

https://twitter.com/OmarVA22/status/1579251835722141698

IIUC Briscoe had the tie breaker so even if he didn't pass 2 cars, he still would have made the cut tied with Larson.

Not to mention that there is nothing in the rules about letting a teammate pass and holding up others. If there was then they would give penalties every race.
— FlameCCT (@FlameCCT) October 10, 2022

You know that could happen with a straight-up points system? Right?
— BMG12 (@BigMikeGwood12) October 9, 2022

What are your thoughts on Cole Custer’s move?

Also read: ‘That was the most rigged shit ever,’ NASCAR Twitter reacts to Christopher Bell’s chaotic ROVAL win

Also read: Where will Jimmie Johnson race next season?

#About the Author

Justin P Joy

(5014 Articles Published)

Justin P Joy is a Motorsports writer and editor at FirstSportz. He has been a motorsport journalist since 2020 and has published over 4500 articles. Justin has extensively covered two NASCAR, Formula One, and Moto GP seasons for FirstSportz. He has invested more than a decade of his life on Motorsports, first as a fan and later as a dedicated writer. Justin’s in-depth knowledge of Motorsports and his experience as a fan make his writing resonate with most racing fans worldwide. Justin's love for racing started when he discovered Moto GP at the age of 8. That love later guided him into the world of Formula 1. He fell in love with NASCAR after watching Tom Cruise’s “Days of Thunder” and has been an avid follower of the premier stock car racing series since. He has also been investing his time to exploring WEC, WRC, Formula E, Extreme E, and IndyCar in a bid to deeply understand the culture and history of Motorsports to present a unique perspective to the fans.

How Cole Custer allegedly ‘manufactured’ Kyle Larson’s playoff exit

NASCAR announces an investigation into Cole Custers curious actions

Stay Updated!

2025 Daytona 500 champion William Byron invites popstar Sabrina Carpenter to a NASCAR race

Dale Earnhardt Jr. confesses he “should have married” wife Amy Earnhardt way sooner

Bubba Wallace declares NASCAR Cup schedule is “too long”