Saturday’s 300-mile Xfinity Series race had been a mundane affair, featuring mostly single-file racing with drivers apparently unwilling to take risky moves for fear of losing track position. Numerous cars running out of fuel at the end set up a dramatic two-lap overtime and surprise winner, but that was hardly indicative of what much of the race had offered.
That’s why there were so many lingering questions entering Sunday’s 400-mile Cup race. However, a 16-car wreck on the second lap was a quick signal the Cup race would take a different – and far more dramatic – track.
The field remained mostly two-wide, and drivers traded the lead at head-spinning speed. The were risky blocks, and cars repeatedly banging off each other, or the outside wall.
The race ended in the most intense finish possible, with three cars racing side-by-side off Turn 4 on the final lap.
After a brief video review by NASCAR, Daniel Suarez was declared the winner over Ryan Blaney by a 0.003-second margin – the third-closest in series history. Kyle Busch was third, only 0.007s behind Suarez.
While the photo finish was remarkable and memorable, there was a moment earlier in Sunday’s race that offered the best hint of how this race would play out. As the race went into the final stage, Blaney’s Penske team-mate, Austin Cindric, developed into a serious contender for the win himself.
Source: Autosport