The Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway was always anticipated to be a thrilling spectacle, and it lived up to the hype with an intense incident that unfolded on Lap 60. Corey LaJoie’s No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro collided with Noah Gragson’s No. 10 Ford Mustang, sparking a massive chain reaction that turned the track into a scene of chaos. More than 16 cars were caught in the wreckage, and as the dust settled, it was clear that several prominent drivers, including Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Preece, and Noah Gragson, would not be able to continue the race. These early exits left fans reeling.
The aftermath of the crash ignited a wave of anger among NASCAR fans, many of whom directed their frustration squarely at Corey LaJoie. The 32-year-old driver, who is facing an uncertain future after being let go by Spire Motorsports due to underwhelming performances, became the target of harsh criticism on social media. One particularly vocal fan took to X (formerly Twitter) to predict that LaJoie’s role in the crash would seal his fate in the sport, writing, “Corey Lajoie YOU are NOT getting a ride next season.” Another fan echoed the sentiment, bluntly stating, “Corey Lajoie is A**!! GET OUT OF THE CUP SERIES!”
The criticisms reflect a growing consensus among some NASCAR fans that LaJoie may not be cut out for racing at the highest level. With two DNFs (Did Not Finish) already on his record in just 25 races this season, many are questioning his ability to compete cleanly without causing incidents. One fan sarcastically challenged LaJoie to avoid causing wrecks, tweeting, “Corey Lajoie don’t cause a wreck challenge: Impossible.”
The collision occurred during the second stage of the race when LaJoie’s Chevrolet made contact with the left rear of Gragson’s Ford. What followed was sheer pandemonium, as drivers like Ross Chastain, John Hunter Nemechek, and Noah Gragson were thrown into the fray, creating a ripple effect that had significant repercussions throughout the field. The incident not only altered the outcome of the race but also had implications for the regular season championship and the playoff battle, especially as teams prepare for the upcoming race at Darlington Raceway.
Denny Hamlin, one of the drivers who fell victim to the crash, didn’t mince words about who he believed was at fault. NASCAR YouTuber Eric Estepp captured the moment in a tweet that read, “Man…. don’t tell me the No. 7 [LaJoie] caused it.” Hamlin, clearly frustrated, responded with a simple but telling confirmation: “7 caused it.” Hamlin’s frustration is understandable, particularly given the difficult week he had already endured. The 43-year-old racing veteran had just been docked 75 points and lost 10 playoff points after Toyota Racing Development disassembled his engine following his race win at Bristol. A DNF in the penultimate race of the regular season was the last thing he needed as he heads into the playoffs.
In stark contrast, Chase Elliott took a more measured approach in the wake of the wreck. Despite his No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro being forced to retire from the race due to severe damage, Elliott refrained from pointing fingers at LaJoie. The Hendrick Motorsports driver admitted that he hadn’t seen enough of the incident to determine who was at fault. This marked Elliott’s first DNF of the season, a setback that will undoubtedly affect his chances of claiming the regular season championship before the playoffs begin at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Elliott entered the race at Daytona in a strong position, sitting second in the standings and just 10 points behind leader Tyler Reddick. However, the outcome of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 is likely to be a significant blow to his championship aspirations. As the season nears its conclusion, every point matters, and Elliott will need to regroup quickly if he hopes to reclaim his momentum heading into the playoffs.
The crash on Lap 60 was a dramatic reminder of the unpredictable nature of NASCAR racing, where fortunes can change in an instant. For Corey LaJoie, the incident has only added to the uncertainty surrounding his future in the sport. For Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott, it was a day of frustration and disappointment, but their focus now shifts to the challenges that lie ahead as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
As fans continue to debate the events at Daytona, one thing is clear: the Coke Zero Sugar 400 will be remembered as a race that had a profound impact on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series, setting the stage for an intense battle at Darlington and beyond.
Fans Gang Up on Notorious Corey LaJoie, Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott Kicked Off Daytona
