Toyota/Save Mart 350: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Danica Patrick collide early

Two of NASCAR’s most notable drivers — and two who really can’t afford a bad day from here on out — got together early at Sonoma.

Good finishes have been few and far between for Danica Patrick in the 2017 NASCAR season, though her performances have improved in recent weeks. The same could be said for Dale Earnhardt Jr. The last thing either of them probably wanted to do was literally run into each other during the Toyota/Save Mart 350.

Yet that’s exactly what happened during Stage 1 at Sonoma Raceway, and to make matters worse, both drivers were running in the top 10. In fact, Earnhardt was trying to pass Patrick for position when they ended up bringing out the race’s first caution.

Patrick made a small move to prevent Junior from getting past him, which led to Earnhardt locking up the brakes and spinning slightly through the turn. Because Patrick took the turn the correct way, the 88 ended up sliding right in front of her, and she ran into its side.

Joining the 88 and 10 with some damage from the incident was Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series points leader and Sonoma pole-sitter Kyle Larson. None of the cars were knocked out of the race, though, and the ensuing yellow flag pit stops shook up the field, putting Chris Buescher up front.

Despite her road course experience in other series, Patrick has never recorded a top-10 finish in NASCAR at either Sonoma or Watkins Glen. Sonoma hasn’t historically been a strong track for Earnhardt Jr. either, but he’s fared better there as his career has gone on, finishing 3rd and 7th in the last two years.

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With many laps still to go, both drivers could still salvage something from their days, but a collision while running toward the front definitely wasn’t part of the plan.