Denny Hamlin questions NASCAR caution decision during Daytona 500 finish

Denny Hamlin offered advice to fellow NASCAR driver Cole Custer after their collision during the chaotic final laps of the 2025 Daytona 500, emphasizing that victories cannot be achieved through reckless driving. Hamlin expressed concerns about the increasing tendency for drivers to wreck each other during crucial moments of the race, stating that the sport's integrity is compromised by poor decision-making. He criticized NASCAR's inconsistent caution flag policies, particularly regarding incidents that occur after the white flag, which he believes leads to dangerous situations on the track. Hamlin's frustrations were echoed by NASCAR insiders who were puzzled by the lack of a caution during a significant wreck on the final lap, which allowed William Byron to secure victory. This year's Daytona 500 is seen as a turning point, with Hamlin predicting that thrilling photo finishes may be a thing of the past due to the aggressive behavior of drivers. The combination of impatience and a chaotic racing style has made it difficult for drivers to finish the race cleanly.