Cindric battled through a shifting issue and made his final pit stop with under 50 laps to go. From there, he soldiered on to finish 18th in the Discount Tire Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
Allmendinger battled the handing of his LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevy for the duration of race, reporting early the car was tight in traffic and the front end lacked feel.
The NASCAR Cup Series raced its way into Music City for Sunday’s Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, located just a half hour outside the big city.
RYAN BLANEY, No. 12 Menards/Cardell Cabinetry Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “I never gave up hope, that's for sure. We've had great speed all year, just hasn't been the best year for us as far as good fortune."
Denny Hamlin had a strong run in his 700th NASCAR Cup Series start, as the Virginia-native won the first stage, led five times for 79 laps and scored the top-finish for Toyota in third.
The 35-year-old Preece from Berlin, Connecticut, led 46 of 200 laps and outlasted sleet conditions and numerous on-track chaos to become the 27th competitor to win the Clash.
Josh Berry won the Last Chance Qualifier race while Austin Cindric outbattled Corey LaJoie for the second spot after a spirited side-by-side battle over the closing laps. Berry and Cindric will compete in the Clash Main Event at Bowman Gray Stadium
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin was made available to the media on Wednesday prior to practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
