The NASCAR world was buzzing after a fierce battle during the 2025 Daytona 500 between Cole Custer and Denny Hamlin, culminating in a controversial move that left both drivers fuming. Custer, a rising star with a chip on his shoulder, took a gamble in the chaotic final laps, pushing the limits of superspeedway racing. But did his aggressive maneuver go too far? Hamlin certainly thinks so. However, Custer is unrepentant, standing firm in his decision with a bold assertion—“No regrets, just racing.”
In a candid interview with Claire B. Lang, Custer gave fans a closer look at the mindset behind his bold move. It was a move that ignited the race and set the stage for a wreck, but according to Custer, it was just part of the high-stakes game of superspeedway racing. “At the end of the day, we are all competitors,” Custer explained. “These superspeedway races come down to pushing and shoving, side drafting—it’s just how it goes in the last laps. I’m not going to regret it.”
A Move for Glory, Not Regret
Custer’s bold decision to challenge Denny Hamlin and the pack in the final moments of the Daytona 500 sparked massive controversy. As Hamlin pointed out, a different line in the final turn could have given everyone a fair shot at the win, but instead, Custer pushed three-wide, a move that ultimately led to the infamous crash known as the “Big One.” The rookie’s instincts to take a run at the lead were clear—he was not about to settle for second place.
Despite the wreck, Custer defended his move, stating that the last lap of superspeedway racing is always chaotic. “You see wrecks usually during the last laps. It’s everybody trying to go for the same spot,” he said. In hindsight, though, he admitted that he could’ve managed the situation better and chosen a different moment to make his move. “I knew I probably should have waited for the front stretch, but you learn from it,” he acknowledged.
While the wreck ended his hopes of a Daytona 500 victory, Custer’s mindset didn’t waver. He was more focused on being in the lead position should a caution come out, recognizing the importance of staying ahead. “When I got such a big run from the 19 pushing me, I just tried to take the run. I had to get to the front because you never know what can happen with those cautions,” he said.
Redemption on the Horizon
The crash at Daytona may have been a bitter blow to Custer, but the Atlanta Motor Speedway race, which follows a similar superspeedway package, offers a chance for redemption. With the same drafting style and a course layout that encourages aggressive moves, Custer could find himself in the hunt for victory once again. The way he handled the pressure in Daytona shows he’s a driver capable of contending at the highest level—and with Atlanta just around the corner, this could be his chance to prove that he’s not just about making noise, but winning big.
A Lesson Learned
For Custer, the Daytona experience was a valuable one. He learned the harsh lessons of superspeedway racing and now faces the challenge of turning those lessons into victories. With a new opportunity at Atlanta, he’ll have the chance to take what he’s learned and apply it to a race where there’s little room for error.
As Hamlin moves on from the incident, offering advice to Custer for next time, Custer will take those words to heart. Whether or not the move to go for glory at Daytona was the right call, Custer’s unwavering confidence and refusal to shy away from aggressive racing will continue to define him as a force to be reckoned with in the Cup Series.
Fans will be watching closely—Cole Custer has certainly made his mark on NASCAR, and the next chapter in his career begins with the chance to redeem himself at Atlanta.
