Stage racing gives NASCAR drivers extra opportunities to earn playoff points, and the first stage of the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway came down a photo finish.
Points leader Martin Truex Jr. passed Kyle Larson at the very last second to win Stage 1 of the race, and it was an exciting way to end the first stage. NBC captured the angle in a couple of different way to show how close the gap was between Truex and Larson.
16th stage win, & the closest finish this year for Martin Truex Jr.!
He gets Stage 1 at Darlington, presented by @Kroger! #ClickList pic.twitter.com/cbcQn5Cct9— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 3, 2017
Not sure how to feel about stage racing? This should persuade you to love it. #NASCARThrowback #Southern500 pic.twitter.com/R6HaWODpdp
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 3, 2017
Related: Playoff contender fails to finish at Darlington
Playoff points are on the line! The pass by @MartinTruex_Jr. to get the stage win! #NASCARThrowback #Southern500 pic.twitter.com/OWq4BeYPwN
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 3, 2017
Truex earned even more points with that stage win, and he will be the leader entering the playoffs.
The stages haven't always been the most popular addition to the sport among some NASCAR fans, but perhaps this photo finish will sway the opinions of some fans.