Denny Hamlin on NASCAR's Daytona 500 Final Lap Decision

Hamlin Defends NASCAR's Decision

Denny Hamlin believes NASCAR made the right call in throwing the caution flag when they did during the final lap of the Daytona 500. The decision allowed William Byron to secure the win. Hamlin acknowledges that some may argue that the field should have been allowed to race back to the finish line, but he emphasizes the potential danger that could have occurred.

According to Hamlin, the No. 2 car of Austin Cindric collided with Ross Chastain and was sliding back up the track when the caution was thrown. Hamlin highlights the precarious position of the No. 2 car and the importance of prioritizing safety in such situations.

During an episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin compared the Daytona 500 finish to the Xfinity Series race that followed in the night air. He acknowledges the controversy surrounding subjective calls made by NASCAR and the perception that the outcome is predetermined. However, Hamlin ultimately supports NASCAR's decision to end the race and award the win to William Byron.

Balancing Safety and Excitement

Hamlin's reasoning aligns with the desire for an exciting and conclusive finish in the Daytona 500. While fans may yearn for a dramatic race until the very end, Hamlin emphasizes the potential risks involved in allowing the field to race back to the finish line. The collision between the No. 2 car and Ross Chastain and the subsequent position of the No. 2 car posed a significant safety concern.

He points out that in the Xfinity Series race that followed, NASCAR allowed the race to continue despite a crash. However, Hamlin explains that doing the same in the Daytona 500 would have put many cars behind the pack at risk. Slowing down as soon as possible was crucial to mitigate the potential dangers.

While the decision may have disappointed some fans, Hamlin's perspective highlights the delicate balancing act between safety and excitement in a high-stakes race like the Daytona 500.

Hamlin's Performance and Overall Excitement

Denny Hamlin, the driver of the No. 11 FedEx Toyota, had a challenging race at Daytona. He was involved in a major wreck that eliminated a significant portion of the field. Despite the setback, Hamlin managed to finish in 19th place.

Although his finish was not as impressive as his usual performance at Daytona, Hamlin acknowledges that winning The Great American Race often requires a certain degree of luck. Regardless of the outcome, the Daytona 500 remained an exciting event for fans, even with the caution ending.