The Brickyard 400, after a three-year hiatus, deserved better. Despite being filled with drama, the race ended with a whimper instead of a bang. Kyle Larson secured his fourth win of the season at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but the victory came under controversial circumstances and felt anticlimactic. Larson had overtaken Ryan Blaney on the final restart and was on his last lap when Ryan Preece spun off Turn 2, hitting the inside wall and prompting a caution after a 30-second delay. Many awaited Denny Hamlin’s perspective, given his reputation for not mincing words and his rivalry with Larson. On his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin highlighted NASCAR’s inconsistencies, reflecting on the delayed caution.
Denny Hamlin rejects NASCAR’s explanation
NASCAR’s handling of the Brickyard 400 demonstrated ongoing inconsistencies, despite numerous previous objections. In a race plagued by cautions, NASCAR delayed issuing a caution after Ryan Preece’s crash, even though it was clear the Stewart-Haas Racing driver was stuck. Had they issued the caution promptly, there would have been another restart. The delay raised questions: Were they waiting for Kyle Larson to begin his final lap before issuing the caution, effectively ensuring his victory? On his podcast, Denny Hamlin countered Elton Sawyer’s claim that the caution was delayed because they had already crossed the start-finish line. Hamlin bluntly stated, “Wrong! That’s not true.” He pointed out that Preece was not moving well before Turn 4, giving NASCAR ample time to call a caution. Hamlin cited a similar incident at Nashville where a caution was called immediately, underscoring NASCAR’s inconsistencies.
The Brickyard 400 was extended by seven laps, surpassing its scheduled 160-lap distance due to two late cautions. Hamlin noted the inconsistency as both these cautions were prompt. The first caution occurred when Kyle Busch crashed while competing with Hamlin for a top-five finish with less than three scheduled laps remaining. The second caution came after the restart, involving a five-car incident including Hamlin’s. The delay in caution for Preece’s incident meant Tyler Reddick lost a potential chance to win. Hamlin’s third DNF of the season forced him to finish 32nd on a track he was eager to conquer.
Hamlin reflects on NASCAR’s fuel mileage dilemma
Fuel mileage was a significant concern heading into the Brickyard 400, especially with NASCAR returning to Indianapolis Motor Speedway after three years. Drivers familiar with the track knew that fuel conservation was crucial for victory. Brad Keselowski, unlike Kyle Larson who employed a safe fuel strategy, ran out of gas during a late caution, exemplifying the issue. With drivers racing seven extra laps and multiple cautions, they had opportunities to coast and save fuel. Hamlin expressed frustration over the race strategy, noting that fuel mileage now dominates over speed. He warned that prioritizing fuel conservation could hurt NASCAR’s popularity in the long run, as fans prefer exciting races won by the fastest drivers, not those who conserve fuel the best. Hamlin’s criticism reflects a broader concern that NASCAR needs to address to maintain its appeal.
