The AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway started with a rain delay but ended with one of the most thrilling finishes in NASCAR history. In an overtime showdown, Kyle Larson edged out Chris Buescher by just 0.001 seconds, clinching the closest win in NASCAR Cup Series history and the second-closest across all of NASCAR’s national touring series.
The margin was so tight that initial electronic timing and scoring showed Buescher as the winner. However, further review using high-speed cameras revealed that Larson crossed the finish line first, overturning the earlier result and giving Larson his second victory of the 2024 season.
The final lap was filled with drama, with Larson and Buescher neck-and-neck through Turns 3 and 4. Larson managed to slip between Buescher and the wall, and the two cars traded paint as they raced to the finish line. Despite the photo finish, Larson’s win was confirmed, with Chase Elliott and Martin Truex Jr. closing in from behind. Here’s a look at the unofficial top ten results from the AdventHealth 400:
1. Kyle Larson
2. Chris Buescher
3. Chase Elliott
4. Martin Truex Jr.
5. Denny Hamlin
6. Christopher Bell
7. Alex Bowman
8. Kyle Busch
9. Noah Gragson
10. Michael McDowell
Earlier, the race appeared to be a strategic battle of fuel mileage, with Hamlin, Buescher, and Larson conserving fuel while Truex was on a full tank, chasing down Hamlin for the lead. But a spin by Kyle Busch with seven laps to go changed the dynamics, sending everyone to the pits to refuel and change tires. The top nine cars took two tires, while Truex opted for four.
Buescher took the lead on the restart but was quickly under pressure from Larson. As the two raced side-by-side, Larson found a narrow gap and surged ahead, setting up the historic finish.
While Larson celebrated his 25th career victory, Buescher was understandably disappointed to lose by such a slim margin, adding to Ford’s streak of close defeats in 2024. Ford has yet to win a NASCAR national series race this year, and Buescher’s narrow loss marked the third time a Ford driver had come up short in a photo finish.
In the aftermath, Larson acknowledged the intensity of the race and the unique experience of Kansas Speedway, noting how the 1.5-mile track has become a highlight of the NASCAR calendar since the introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022. He also referenced the recent controversy surrounding the aero package, highlighting the racing quality on 1.5-mile tracks.
Buescher’s crew chief, Scott Graves, accepted NASCAR’s explanation of the finish after a visit to the officials’ hauler. Although the painted start/finish line wasn’t perfectly vertical, NASCAR’s advanced photo system provided a clear and accurate result.
As Larson celebrated his win, he acknowledged the stiff competition, stating, “It was crazy.” Despite the loss, Buescher maintained a positive attitude, recognizing the hard-fought nature of the race.
With the NASCAR season well underway, the thrilling finish at Kansas Speedway will be remembered as one of the most exciting moments in recent history, solidifying the track’s reputation for delivering high-octane action and intense competition.
