Erik Jones crossed the finish line first, but he won’t go down in the books as the winner of Thursday night’s Duel 2 at Daytona International Speedway.
In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory, Jones edged out Austin Cindric by just 0.004 seconds in a thrilling photo finish. However, NASCAR’s rulebook had the final say, stripping Jones of the victory due to a last-lap caution that froze the field moments before he reached the checkered flag.
What Happened?
With Jones and Cindric battling side-by-side to the line, a multi-car crash broke out in Turn 4 involving Shane van Gisbergen, Kyle Larson, and Ty Gibbs. As per NASCAR regulations, once the caution flag is displayed on the final lap, the field is frozen at the moment of caution, with the leader at that exact second declared the winner.
Unfortunately for Jones, NASCAR determined that Cindric was ahead at the moment of caution, effectively erasing Jones’ dramatic final push to the stripe.
Jones’ Celebration Cut Short
Unaware of NASCAR’s ruling, Jones followed standard procedure—taking a cool-down lap, parking in the tri-oval, and waiting for his TV interview. Meanwhile, Cindric returned to pit road, assuming he had finished second.
Then, came the gut punch—NASCAR officially declared Cindric the winner. FS1’s live cameras caught the moment Jones learned the heartbreaking news, his expression shifting from pure elation to disbelief and frustration.
“I’ve never been in that spot,” Jones admitted afterward. “It’s a bummer. I’d love to start out with a win.”
Jimmie Johnson Slams NASCAR’s Call
Seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, now the co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, was standing beside Jones when the ruling came down. Johnson, clearly frustrated, consoled his driver and made his feelings known.
“You’re still a winner to me,” Johnson told Jones before bluntly stating, “That’s bullshit.”
Johnson’s reaction perfectly encapsulated the frustration within the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB camp. A win in the Duel would have been a huge momentum boost for the struggling Toyota team, but instead, they were left with a tough pill to swallow.
Austin Cindric Reacts to the Controversy
For his part, Cindric expressed sympathy for Jones but made it clear that he was simply following NASCAR’s ruling.
“I feel bad for Erik having to go all the way over there,” Cindric said after realizing Jones had celebrated prematurely. Ironically, when Cindric went to collect the checkered flag, the flagman had already left the stand, leaving him to walk across the grass empty-handed.
How Does This Impact Jones’ Daytona 500 Start?
The controversial decision won’t impact Jones’ starting position for Sunday’s Daytona 500. Since Cindric had already locked in his front-row starting spot via Wednesday’s single-car qualifying, Jones will still start fourth on the grid, lining up on the outside of Row 2.
Despite the setback, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and Jones will now refocus on Sunday’s big race, hoping to shake off the heartbreak and chase redemption at the Great American Race.
