Overview
- On the opening laps at Darlington, Tyler Ankrum’s fender clipped Ben Rhodes’ tire, sending the No. 99 into the Turn 1 wall and triggering the first caution.
- Rhodes said the impact bent motor mounts and left the throttle pinned wide open, making repairs impossible and ending his night.
- Visibly upset, Rhodes used expletives and said he wanted to confront Ankrum but chose not to after hearing fights could draw a fine of about $75,000.
- Ankrum apologized and accepted responsibility for the contact after finishing 24th, and no NASCAR on‑track penalties for the incident were reported.
- The episode comes days after a Chastain–Suárez dust‑up without penalties, as officials like Brad Moran cite safety in discretionary enforcement and drivers such as Bubba Wallace and Brad Keselowski debate potential limits or “hockey rules.”