Kyle Busch loses wheel causing controversy during Martinsville restart

William Byron had the lead on the restart when Kyle Busch lost a wheel. So how did Kyle Larson take over as the leader? Well, it is a bit of a controversial call from NASCAR depending on who you ask.

The leaders came through the restart zone and fired off. Therefore, the green flag was out. Byron fired off in the zone and did not wait until the start/finish line. Just as they crossed the line, Kyle Busch lost his wheel.

When NASCAR lined everyone back up after the caution, Kyle Larson was the leader. Not William Byron. Despite arguing their side of things, Byron did not get to control the next restart, Larson did.

Because the race resumed green-flag action, #NASCAR deems the field is frozen as it would be under any other caution situation, utilizing the most recent scoring loops under green to determine positions under this caution.

What happened when the green flag waved counted.

— Zach Sturniolo (@zachstur) November 3, 2024

It isn’t just drivers who are frustrated with the ruling. A bunch of positions moved around in that split-second restart. Fans online were confused as to why the decision was made. However, the broadcast booth with Steve Letarte and Jeff Burton helped explain things.

Kyle Busch has been nonexistent in this race. His losing a wheel is his largest contribution to this race. In the final stretch of this race, this is a major development. Every position matters, every point matters, and two drivers are going to lock into the Championship 4.

Kyle Busch adds to playoff drama at Martinsville

Kyle Busch is not the only driver to create a little drama today. We have seen incidents on the track near playoff drivers. Cars just missing playoff drivers. And we have seen those drivers in their own incidents as well.

Kyle Larson ran into the rear of Alex Bowman leaving pit road earlier in the race. Then Ryan Blaney had his own pit road moment where he almost took out a crew member on the No. 77 car of Carson Hocevar.

Emotions are running high and it is understandable that drivers were upset with that restart. Honestly, it all comes down to bad luck and bad timing. Plain and simple. That won’t make it easier as this race comes to an end, though.

Kyle Busch had a mistake that reverberated throughout the race and the playoff battles. Will it end up determining who makes the Championship 4 and who is eliminated?