Video: Kyle Larson Tops Chris Buescher in Closest Finish in NASCAR Cup Series History

zach bacharContributor IMay 6, 2024

Logan Riely/Getty Images

Kyle Larson earned an extremely narrow victory in the AdventHealth 400 over Chris Buescher on Sunday night at Kansas Speedway.

Larson secured his second win of the 2024 season by just 0.001 seconds, representing the closest finish in NASCAR Cup Series history.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportCLOSEST FINISH IN NASCAR HISTORY 🤯

Kyle Larson wins by 0.001 seconds 😱

(via @NASCAR) pic.twitter.com/36MiysIGeN

NASCAR @NASCARIt doesn’t get closer than this. pic.twitter.com/7TesjOJWao

The close ending drew comparisons to Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, which contained a photo finish before Mystik Dan was eventually declared the winner.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportNASCAR and Kentucky Derby out here this weekend with photo finishes like Lightning McQueen 😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/cfcZUKExh6

Rounding out Sunday’s top five were were Chase Elliott, Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin.

“That race from start to finish was amazing,” Larson said afterward, per NASCAR.com. “That first stage was incredible. The second stage at the end was fun, and then that whole last stage with the wrecks and cautions and then fuel strategy and tires running long and all that was wild.”

“You guys got your money’s worth today, and I’m just proud to be a part of the show,” he added.

Although a rain delay pushed back the original 3 p.m. ET start time, the race was eventually able to get going and did not disappoint. Hamlin initially appeared to be on the verge of his second consecutive win after emerging victorious in the 2023 AdventHealth 400, leading with seven laps remaining.

However, a spin by Kyle Busch brought out the caution flag. In the resulting green-white-checkered finish, Larson passed Hamlin and pulled alongside Buescher before edging him out.

Buescher, who won the second stage, was in disbelief after the result became official.

“I don’t know what to say right now,” Buescher said, via the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). “I haven’t seen a replay other than just the picture, and I sure can’t see in that picture. That sucks to be that close.”

The NASCAR Cup Series will continue on May 12 with the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.