Denny Hamlin sees no problem with the controversial decision to call a caution at the conclusion of the 2024 Daytona 500. The NASCAR Cup series opener had a total of five caution flags, the lowest number since the start of the 2004 season. All five incidents were significant and had a major impact on the race. The race was even called off a lap early due to a crash involving [drivers’ names removed].
During the race, Chastain attempted to take the lead by going for an opening that wasn’t there, resulting in contact with Cindric, who was being pushed from behind by [driver’s name removed]. As a result, the No.1 and No.2 cars spun into the infield grass, allowing [driver’s name removed] to take the lead and ultimately win the race. The No.2 Ford started sliding back onto the track, forcing NASCAR to call a caution. Byron, who was leading at the time the caution was waved, was declared the winner.
However, controversy soon arose on social media, with some claiming that the caution was called too early and that NASCAR should have allowed Bowman and Byron to continue racing. Hamlin, a veteran driver for JGR, defended NASCAR in his podcast, stating that controversy is natural and that the right call was made since a Hendrick Motorsports car had won the race. Hamlin also emphasized the dangerous position of Cindric’s crashed car.
In the Xfinity Series opener, a similar last-lap wreck occurred, but NASCAR did not call a caution and allowed the race leaders, Austin Hill and Sheldon Creed, to fight for the win. Unlike in the Cup race, both drivers had already taken the white flag, and there was no vulnerable position like Cindric’s car. Hamlin used this point to support the decision to call a caution in the Daytona 500 race-ending incident.
According to the Source firstsportz.com