Disappointment was written all over Denny Hamlin’s Daytona 500 experience. Leading on the final lap, the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran seemed poised to claim his fourth victory at NASCAR’s biggest event. However, fate took a cruel turn when Cole Custer’s No. 41 Ford collided with his No. 11 Toyota, sending him into a crash that ended his hopes. Instead of celebrating in Victory Lane, Hamlin had to settle for a crushing 24th-place finish in the season opener. His frustration was evident, and his latest podcast reflected the pain of coming so close, only to have it slip away.
Hamlin was on the verge of etching his name in history alongside legends like Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough, both of whom have won the Daytona 500 four or more times. However, the dramatic late-race wreck left him questioning more than just his luck—it made him reevaluate his future in the sport. Speaking on Actions Detrimental, Hamlin didn’t hide his emotions, admitting, “I woke up pissed… now I know why drivers retire.” His frustration extended beyond the crash, as he criticized the evolving nature of NASCAR, questioning whether superspeedway wins are becoming as controversial as the championship format itself.
The chaotic final lap reshuffled the field, allowing William Byron to emerge as the unexpected winner. Starting ninth on the last lap and sixth entering Turn 3, Byron dodged the wreck and sailed to victory—one even he admitted was largely due to good fortune. Jimmie Johnson, who had struggled in the Next-Gen car, also benefited, finishing third despite running outside the top 10 before the incident.
Hamlin’s frustration isn’t new. After the 2024 season, he had already raised concerns about NASCAR’s playoff system, arguing that Joey Logano’s title win didn’t reflect true dominance, especially with Kyle Larson missing the Championship 4 despite six wins. Now, the Daytona 500 outcome has further cemented his belief that NASCAR prioritizes entertainment over sporting integrity.
The veteran racer, who has competed in the Cup Series for nearly two decades, lamented how luck now plays a major role in success. “I hate that for the winners,” he admitted, “but I hate even more how much luck is involved in NASCAR now.” With a 26-race winless streak looming, Hamlin will look to bounce back at Atlanta. However, after this brutal start, could retirement be on his mind?
