Denny Hamlin's Daytona 500 Victory Snatched Away

Denny Hamlin climbs out of his car after qualifying for the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Denny Hamlin was on the verge of securing his fourth victory in the Daytona 500, known as 'The Great American Race,' when a dramatic turn of events unfolded on the final lap. As Hamlin surged into the lead, a potential caution was anticipated after a spin by Riley Herbst of the 23XI Racing team, co-owned by Hamlin and Michael Jordan. However, NASCAR opted not to issue a caution as Herbst managed to save his car, leading to a chain reaction that resulted in a race-deciding crash.

Hamlin found himself in the middle of a three-wide situation, with Cole Custer making an aggressive move that triggered the crash. Ultimately, William Byron emerged victorious, claiming his second consecutive Daytona 500 title, while Hamlin finished in 24th place.

Despite the outcome, Hamlin displayed understanding towards Custer's bold maneuver, acknowledging that Custer was also vying for the win. Custer, who returned to the Cup Series this season after a stint in the Xfinity Series, aimed to secure a playoff spot for his team, demonstrating his determination to make a race-winning move.

Reflecting on the race, Hamlin suggested that Custer's move might have been premature and advised him to time it better for future opportunities. Notably, Hamlin drives for Joe Gibbs Racing but co-owns 23XI Racing with Jordan, a team currently involved in a legal dispute with NASCAR over antitrust allegations.

Last-lap crash alters race outcome, William Byron wins.

Denny Hamlin close to fourth Daytona 500 win.

Cole Custer's aggressive move triggers race-deciding crash.

Hamlin speculated that NASCAR's decision not to throw a caution could have been influenced by recent controversies in the Xfinity and Truck Series races, where caution calls and disqualifications faced scrutiny. Despite the outcome, Hamlin remained pragmatic, emphasizing that the result was beyond his control.

The Daytona 500 concluded with unexpected twists and turns, underscoring the unpredictable nature of NASCAR racing. As drivers navigate high-stakes moments on the track, split-second decisions can determine the difference between victory and defeat, shaping the narrative of 'The Great American Race.'

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