Denny Hamlin Critiques Daytona 500, Considers Retirement

Denny Hamlin faced disappointment after finishing 24th in the Daytona 500, despite leading the race in the final lap. A late wreck involving Cole Custer ended his hopes for a fourth victory at this prestigious event. Hamlin expressed his frustration during his podcast, stating that the aggressive driving style prevalent at Superspeedways has diminished the racing craft he once valued. He criticized NASCAR for not throwing caution flags during the final laps, which he believed should have been called, leading to a chaotic finish that ultimately benefited William Byron, who claimed his second consecutive Daytona 500 win. Hamlin, a three-time winner at Daytona, reflected on how the new generation of cars has made racing easier, reducing the challenge and excitement of passing. Overall, he conveyed a sense of exhaustion and questioned his future in the sport, highlighting the emotional toll of his racing experiences.