SMT data uncovers key differences in Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney restart dispute at Brickyard

Hendrick Motorsport's #5 driver Kyle Larson emerged victorious after double overtime in NASCAR's return to the Brickyard 400. Larson's win has stirred a lot of controversy, and recently released SMT data has provided insights into the situation.

Brickyard 400 went into overtime after Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch made contact, 3 laps before the race was scheduled to finish. Brad Keselowski was running P1 on the inside line, ahead of the restart in overtime. Sharing the front row with him was Ryan Blaney, with Larson in P3.

The #6 Ford was running out of fuel and went to pit road, giving Kyle Larson the inside line on the restart. The green flag was waved while Keselowski was still refueling. Larson took advantage of the inside line and passed Blaney, who was in P1. Besides that, there was controversy that Larson made a jump start in overtime.

New SMT data has been released, which has helped clear the air behind the Larson-Blaney controversy. Here's a look at the data via a post on X (formerly Twitter) from CouchRacerShop:

The SMT data has revealed that Larson was in first gear ahead of the restart in overtime, while Blaney was in second gear. Moreover, Larson had newer tires, which proved essential in giving him a better start than the Team Penske driver.

Kyle Larson's victory at the Indianapolis Oval marked his fourth Cup race win this season. He is only a Daytona 500 win away from having victories at all NASCAR's crown jewel events. Larson also passed HMS teammate Chase Elliot in the drivers' standings, reclaiming his spot at the top with 749 regular season points.

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"Just wanted him to run out of fuel"- Kyle Larson comments on Brad Keselowski's pit stop

Kyle Larson took advantage of the #6 driver's pit stop and drove down Victory Lane at IMS. Brad Keselowski's pit strategy had not accounted for the late call in overtime, causing the #6 driver to make an uncomfortable stop.

With all the controversy around this incident, Larson shared his thoughts in an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. He said:

"It was just obviously selfish and I'm praying for him to run out of fuel once we were two-wide for the restart," Larson laughed as he reflected on the race. "I didn't care where he ran out of fuel, I just wanted him to run out of fuel so that I could take over the front row."

Larson also expressed his feelings on winning the historic Brickyard 400.

"I felt like, just kind of everything that happened, and how the race played out, it definitely felt like it was meant to be, and it was our day[...] Dream come true to finally get to kiss the bricks there, and glad to celebrate with family and friends, and our race team, Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon. It was a cool day," Larson expressed.

Following his win, Larson is on his path to be the regular season champion, and has scored maximum playoff points.