The NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas was the closest margin of victory in NASCAR Cup Series history with Kyle Larson beating out Chris Buescher by 0.001 seconds. However, there was some controversy surrounding the finish as NASCAR electronic timing and scoring initially scored Chris Buescher as the winner and the finish line seemingly being crooked. How did NASCAR determine Kyle Larson as the winner on Sunday night?
The term “Photo finish” comes from the original way that close finishes were determined in all forms of racing. Whether that be horse racing or auto racing, close finishes were determined by pictures taken at the finish line. The 1959 Daytona 500 is the most famous example of a NASCAR race determined by a photo finish.
However, without the HD cameras we have today, determining razor-close finishes was an inexact science. In 1974, the Firecracker 400 had a dead heat for 3rd that NASCAR could not decipher, and they decided to have Buddy Baker and Cale Yarborough both be credited with 3rd place.
In 1993, NASCAR implemented electronic timing and scoring. While scoring photo finishes using the method was a plus, the primary reason for the implementation was scoring the field as a whole. Previously, NASCAR had scored the field manually, which caused numerous scoring disputes.
The new system mitigated those issues, and it had the added benefit of helping determine close finishes. Since then, NASCAR determined margin-of-victory via this method. However, video and photographs were still used to verify close finishes. The 2011 Aaron’s 499, previously tied for the closest finish in NASCAR history, is one example of how this system has been put to the test.
Confusion arose on Sunday when NASCAR timing and scoring originally put Buescher just ahead of Larson. However, NASCAR changed the result, and the Fox broadcast showed Larson crossing the line on the track slightly before Buescher. However, RFK Racing pointed out that the finish line is uneven above the apron compared to below the apron.
However, NASCAR does not determine the races due to when the cars cross the exact line on the race track. Bob Pockrass pointed out after the Atlanta race that NASCAR uses two high-speed cameras placed along the finish line. The camera is set at 6,000-8,000 frames per second, making sure a photo is taken at the exact right angle at the exact right moment.
Jeff Gluck added some further insight. The actual spot of the finish line in this scenario is based on where the camera’s line is, which is placed right about where the finish line is on the track itself. That way, no discrepancy can be found based on a finish line being slightly crooked on the track.
The result is a photo being taken at the exact right place at the exact right time to determine the finish of the race. An old-school method of taking photographs using new-school technology. NASCAR released the exact photo they used to determine the finish, showing Kyle Larson slightly ahead of Chris Buescher.
NASCAR uses a very complex method to determine the winner of a race in close situations like this. It came in handy on Sunday.
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