Elliott, Harvick, Hamlin, Newman in 1st wreck at Daytona

Posted February 09, 2019 6:00 am

The Associated Press

Chase Elliott (9) drives through the garage area during NASCAR auto race practice at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) The Associated Press

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin and Ryan Newman have been involved in the first wreck of Speedweeks.

The four Cup Series drivers crashed Saturday during the opening practice for the exhibition Clash race at Daytona International Speedway. The race is slated to start Sunday afternoon.

Elliott got caught in the middle of a tight pack and seemed to slide in front of Newman on the outside. Newman tapped Elliott, who then spun in front of traffic. Harvick slammed into the back of Hamlin, who had started to slow.

The drivers weren't injured.

Harvick and Newman spent an unusual amount of time standing beside their cars, trying to decide the best way to get them back to the garage while doing the least amount of additional damage.

The Clash field is comprised of 2018 playoff contenders, 2018 pole winners, former Daytona 500 champions and former Daytona 500 pole winners.

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More AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/apf-AutoRacing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Kevin Harvick adjusts his helmet before the start of a NASCAR auto race practice session at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) The Associated Press

Jimmie Johnson, right, hands a pen back to a fan after signing an autograph before a NASCAR auto race practice at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) The Associated Press

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