NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson. Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Reporter provides clarity on controversial NASCAR finish at Kansas

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 5/6/24

The incredible finish in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race led to some questions about the way the finish line at Kansas Speedway was painted, but that had no impact on the result.

Kyle Larson finished just barely ahead of Chris Buescher in what was a true photo finish at the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. Larson’s No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet crossed the finish line just 0.001 seconds ahead of Buescher’s No. 17 RFK Racing Ford, which was the slimmest margin of victory in Cup Series history.

UNBELIEVABLE FINISH! KYLE LARSON WINS AT KANSAS. WOW. pic.twitter.com/O7K3pOnmTw

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 6, 2024

One thing fans noticed about the finish is that the white finish line at Kansas Speedway did not appear to be perfectly straight. Some wondered how NASCAR could be certain which driver finished the race first based on a crooked line.

Jeff Gluck of The Athletic provided an explanation. The actual white finish line is not official, as there is a high-speed camera that overlays a digital line over it to determine the exact order in which cars cross.

The answers you’re asking for about the crooked line: pic.twitter.com/FNH8DpwhGy

— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) May 6, 2024

Gluck also shared a photo of the cameras that are used to determine the finish line, noting that the technology is the same as what was used for Saturday’s remarkable finish at the Kentucky Derby.

And here’s a closer look at the cameras that digitally determine the line (and their view). This is exact same technology that was used at the Kentucky Derby yesterday. pic.twitter.com/wgqRHHw7iS

— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) May 6, 2024

After Larson won, NASCAR shared a photo that showed just how close the finish was. The photo also showed two lines to prove that the white line painted on the ground is not used as the actual reference point.

So, yes, Larson’s win was legitimate — even if it was almost impossible to see it with the naked eye.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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