In a recent interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Elton Sawyer, NASCAR senior vice president of competition, admitted that the outcome of Denny Hamlin's overtime restart at the Richmond race last weekend could have been different if it had occurred earlier in the race. Sawyer's comments shed light on the controversial restart that led to Hamlin's victory.

During the final restart, Hamlin's crew managed to get him off pit road quickly, giving him the lead and control over the overtime restart. Sawyer stated that there was no doubt that Hamlin started early in the final restart. Despite NASCAR reviewing the incident, no penalty was issued, and Hamlin went on to win the race.

Speaking about the complexity of making decisions during a live sporting event, Sawyer emphasized that NASCAR officials do not have the luxury of reviewing calls like in other sports. He suggested that if such a restart violation occurred earlier in the race, officials would have more time to examine it, potentially leading to a different outcome.

Sawyer clarified that the leader has the right to start within the designated restart zone, but Hamlin took some liberties by going ahead a little earlier. The NASCAR official also pointed out that since Hamlin was the leader, he obtained certain benefits, whereas if he had not been leading, the situation would have been entirely different.

According to the Cup Rule Book, the initial start and all restarts must be initiated within the restart zone. The lead vehicle must restart by the time it reaches the designated exit point. If not, the race's starter will initiate or restart the race. Additionally, the race leader serves as the control vehicle for each restart.

Hamlin himself explained on his podcast how he determined when to go on the final restart. He mentioned that he primarily focused on his rearview mirror to gauge the speed of the outside car and the proximity of the car behind him. Hamlin asserted that Joey Logano, who was behind him, seemed to be hanging back, which affected his decision-making during the restart.

While controversy surrounds the overtime restart at the Richmond race, NASCAR continues to evaluate the incident. Sawyer emphasized the importance of making the right call while acknowledging the limitations officials face in the heat of the moment.

As fans and competitors eagerly await further developments, it remains to be seen whether this incident will prompt any amendments or clarifications in NASCAR's restart regulations.