Following a race that sparked a lot of discussion between drivers and fans alike, NASCAR is sticking by the call that let Kyle Larson win the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ryan Preece’s car spun out on Turn 2 during the second overtime and came to a complete stop, generating a moment that determined Sunday’s outcome. The race culminated under heated conditions this past Sunday.
On SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Senior Vice President of Competition for NASCAR Elton Sawyer explained the reasoning for the controversial ruling. Drawing a comparison, Sawyer mentioned an identical event from last year’s Pocono race that involved Preece’s number 41 car.
“We aim to finish under green at every tournament for the sake of our supporters. We have it as our objective for the upcoming weekend. However, something happened on the final lap of the Indianapolis 500… We’re attempting to give that car every chance to ignite, move forward, and let the race finish organically for both of us.”
After a very boring race, Larson was poised to raise the white flag, which presented NASCAR officials with a crucial choice. They decided to postpone the caution, which Sawyer supported by emphasizing the possibility of additional racing activity on the vast 2.5-mile course:
“As we approached the start-finish line for the white flag [at Indianapolis], we noticed that the racetrack is just two and a half miles long, meaning that plenty of racing still has the potential to occur. It’s getting closer to the point where you have to make a choice, as the vehicles began to exit Turn 1. That’s how we work. That’s how we think.”
In the end, the leaders’ decision to raise the white flag ensured that the race would end under caution and avoided a third overtime that may have altered the outcome of the race. This choice raised some concerns, but it also allowed Larson to hold onto his lead and win the race.
Even after giving the choice a lot of thought, Sawyer maintained the decision made by NASCAR officials:
“I should also mention that we now have a full day and a half to sort of process it. And looking back, I still believe that our race director handled that quite well.”
Despite the backlash, NASCAR’s decision was made with the intention of prioritizing a natural race conclusion—even in these uncertain circumstances.