Second Thoughts on NASCAR: Correct call on Daytona 500 photo finish
There is still debate on social media about who won the Daytona 500. This article analyzes the evidence and concludes that NASCAR made the right decision.
NASCAR's Caution Protocol
When NASCAR calls a caution, the field is frozen and drivers don't lose positions as long as they maintain a reasonable speed. This is determined by the race director hitting a button that triggers the lights and registers a time stamp. Except on the last lap, NASCAR uses the previous scoring loop embedded into the track to determine the order.
On the last lap, they match the timestamp with their video to make the call on position. In this case, NASCAR released a photo that showed William Byron ahead of Alex Bowman at the time of caution.
Analyzing the Video Evidence
Bowman's in-car video seemed to show him ahead of Byron when the yellow light came on. However, upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the green light actually went out for a second before the yellow light came on. During that split second, Byron appeared to be inches ahead of Bowman.
Bowman, being a teammate of Byron, didn't argue much about the decision. Based on his demeanor, as well as the photos and videos, it can be concluded that NASCAR made the correct call.
About the Author
Bob Pockrass is a FOX Sports NASCAR insider, with extensive experience covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s. He has worked for ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine, and The News-Journal. You can follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass.
