Following the controversial Brickyard 400, Denny Hamlin expressed significant frustration with NASCAR's late caution decisions, claiming they disrupted the race's competitive integrity and favored winner Kyle Larson. Hamlin criticized NASCAR for its inconsistent application of caution flags, particularly during critical moments that could have altered the race outcome. He also highlighted the challenges of fuel management in modern NASCAR races, where drivers often have to prioritize fuel conservation over competitive racing. This year’s race was marked by multiple cautions that forced drivers into precarious fuel strategies, overshadowing their racing skills. Moreover, Hamlin's crew chief, Chris Gabehart, lamented a late-race collision that ended Hamlin's race early, underscoring the unpredictability inherent in NASCAR. Overall, these events have stirred discussions about NASCAR's governance and the impact of fuel mileage racing on the sport's integrity.