I have never competed at a tarmac event,,
Scott, your comment "Situational Awareness" rings loud,,
As mentioned, one can be distracted by GPS, Wind,, at 200mph you cover 293 feet per second, it would only take a small distraction and your gone too far,,
How well defined are the "Finish Lines" at these events, is it a marker either side of the track, a flag, a banner, are there small to large markers leading up to the finish line ???
In the old days of drag racing there were white cross hatch lines 33' either side of the finish line, if you were "distracted" your minds eye (peripheral vision) sure noticed them,,