AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Denny Hamlin Blasts Daytona 500 Chaos: “Our Champion is Just Lucky—That’s Not Legitimate”

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
February 18, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Denny Hamlin Blasts Daytona 500 Chaos: “Our Champion is Just Lucky—That’s Not Legitimate”

Denny Hamlin answers questions from reporters during Media Day at Daytona International Speedway, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

Denny Hamlin has had enough. The three-time Daytona 500 winner and Joe Gibbs Racing veteran didn’t hold back after the 2025 Daytona 500 ended with yet another last-lap wreck instead of the clean, strategic finish that fans crave.

On his “Actions Detrimental” podcast, Hamlin unloaded on NASCAR’s increasingly reckless superspeedway racing, arguing that “no one is being held accountable” for the dangerous, last-minute moves that routinely trigger massive crashes and overshadow true racecraft.

“Why has it become expected that we’re all just going to take each other out?” Hamlin said. “Because you won’t hear any media holding anyone accountable for making ridiculous moves.”

Daytona 500 Chaos: “It’s Getting Out of Control”

Hamlin’s frustration stems from what he sees as a dangerous trend—races being decided by luck, not skill.

  • NASCAR’s Next-Gen cars have amplified the issue, making it harder to pass cleanly and increasing aggressive blocks and dive-bombs.
  • The Daytona 500 has become a wreck-fest, where whoever survives the chaos wins, rather than the best driver in the best car.

“The thing is, it’s getting out of control,” Hamlin warned.
“We keep trending in this direction… our winner is lucky, our champion is lucky. That is not good for being legitimate in the sports landscape.”

This is a damning indictment from one of the sport’s top stars—essentially suggesting that NASCAR’s season-opening crown jewel has lost credibility as a true test of talent.

Hamlin’s Urgent Call for NASCAR to Fix Superspeedway Racing

Beyond just the legitimacy of results, Hamlin also sounded the alarm about the physical and mental toll that superspeedway racing is taking on drivers.

  • Constant wrecks mean drivers are at higher risk for concussions and injuries.
  • Mentally, it’s exhausting—knowing that a championship can come down to a wreck instead of skill.

“We definitely should address it,” Hamlin said.
“And for my mental health, for my physical health—I just want us to really address superspeedway racing.”

Will NASCAR Listen?

Hamlin’s remarks shine a harsh spotlight on an issue that NASCAR has largely ignored—but can they afford to keep doing so?

The sport’s biggest race should be a showcase of strategy, skill, and execution—not wrecks, luck, and survival. If NASCAR doesn’t act, Hamlin believes the sport risks losing its legitimacy among both drivers and fans.

The ball is in NASCAR’s court—but will they finally make a change before another season’s champion is decided by a wreck instead of a race?

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Max Verstappen’s Stunning Italian GP Victory Scrutinized: FIA Confirms Compliance After Rigorous Inspection!
Motorsports

Max Verstappen’s Stunning Italian GP Victory Scrutinized: FIA Confirms Compliance After Rigorous Inspection!

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Carl Smith
September 10, 2025
Robert Shwartzman Shuts Down Scathing Rumors: “I’m Thriving in IndyCar!
IndyCar

Robert Shwartzman Shuts Down Scathing Rumors: “I’m Thriving in IndyCar!

PREMA Racing driver Robert Shwartzman (83) rides out to the track on his car Friday, May 23, 2025, during Carb...

by Virgilio Machado
September 10, 2025
Nico Rosberg Sparks Controversy: McLaren’s Team Orders Ignite Tensions in F1 Championship Battle!
Motorsports

Nico Rosberg Sparks Controversy: McLaren’s Team Orders Ignite Tensions in F1 Championship Battle!

Nico Rosberg’s Bold McLaren Intervention: The Silver Rules Under Fire! In a dramatic twist that could shake the very foundations...

by Harry Stone
September 10, 2025
Can Colton Herta’s Cadillac Drive Revolutionize Formula 1’s American Dream?
Motorsports

Can Colton Herta’s Cadillac Drive Revolutionize Formula 1’s American Dream?

Andretti Global with Curb-Agajanian driver Colton Herta (26) makes his way to his car Sunday, May 26, 2024, during the...

by Simon Monroy
September 10, 2025

Recent News

Explorer 100% elétrico é o primeiro modelo a sair da renovada fábrica da Ford de Colónia

The European Union wants to produce low-cost cars to counter Chinese brands.

September 10, 2025
Já guiámos a KGM Musso EV: uma pick-up elétrica inspirada num SUV

We have already driven the KGM Musso EV: an electric pickup inspired by an SUV.

September 10, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Stunning Italian GP Victory Scrutinized: FIA Confirms Compliance After Rigorous Inspection!

Max Verstappen’s Stunning Italian GP Victory Scrutinized: FIA Confirms Compliance After Rigorous Inspection!

September 10, 2025
Robert Shwartzman Shuts Down Scathing Rumors: “I’m Thriving in IndyCar!

Robert Shwartzman Shuts Down Scathing Rumors: “I’m Thriving in IndyCar!

September 10, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.