AJ Allmendinger emerges from chaos in Indianapolis

However, we expected a lot from this first race in history contested on the Indianapolis road course, but the chaos came from a temporary metal vibrator installed at turn 6 and totally unsuitable for the monsters of the Cup. The ordeal ofIndycar disputed the day before had given rise to some doubts about its resistance, but what does not give in to a Dallara as robust as it is (Marcus Ericsson can attest to this) will not necessarily resist a sedan of NASCAR. This vibrator literally exploded 11 laps from the end of the race under the onslaught of the cars, creating real carnage within the peloton.

Take a look at what happened to @WilliamByron, @joeylogano and other drivers late at @IMS. pic.twitter.com/KS6qIjRZFD

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 15

A first alert 5 laps before caused a neutralization, ruining the good lead built by Hendrick Motorsports drivers Kyle Larson then in the lead and Chase Elliott. It was therefore decided to remove this vibrator but to leave the “banana” behind and restart the pack for an overtime of 2 laps. Of course at the restart Michael McDowell (Front Row Motorsports) went off the rails sending 5 new cars to the pile. It would have been reasonable to end the race but after a quick clean-up a second overtime of 2 laps was launched against the advice of several drivers including Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing) then leading the race. We can guess the extreme tension within the peloton and if Brad Keselowski (Team Penske) is the last victim of the cursed banana, the bulk of the peloton passes the obstacle. Denny Hamlin could then glimpse this long-awaited first victory of the season but with a failed braking the rookie Chris Buescher (Roush Fenway Racing) ruined his hopes by sending him off the track, leaving the field open to AJ Allmendinger who came to perform his fourth stint of the road circuit season for Kaulig Racing.

.@dennyhamlin spins after contact with @ChaseBriscoe_14! pic.twitter.com/ogaOETTy80

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 15

Behind Allmendiger, struggling to achieve the feat he had just achieved at the finish, Kyle Larson third behind Ryan Blaney (Team Penske) is the big winner of the weekend and widens his lead in the championship over the unfortunate Denny Hamlin.

Kyle Larson can enjoy this 3rd place, synonymous with a good performance in the championship © Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Ranking of the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard:

Next Sunday, Michigan International Speedway will host the 25th round of the season. A week will not be too long to soothe the spirits and heal the wounds left by this very particular ordeal.