The 2026 Daytona 500 will go down as one of the most dramatic and controversy-laden editions of NASCAR’s crown jewel event, a race filled with massive wrecks, questionable decisions, and unexpected triumphs that left the garage buzzing long after the checkered flag waved. Tyler Reddick, driving the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing, emerged victorious in a chaotic finish, leading only the final lap after a last-lap pileup reshuffled the field and handed him the win.
For co-owner Denny Hamlin, the result brought a mix of elation and frustration—he celebrated his team’s breakthrough while grappling with his own disappointing 31st-place finish in the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing entry.
The race on February 15 at Daytona International Speedway started with high expectations. Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner as a driver, entered the event with strong form after securing a second-place finish in his Duel race. He ran up front throughout much of the day, showcasing the kind of aggressive, calculated style that has made him one of NASCAR’s most successful superspeedway racers. Yet, the afternoon unraveled in stages. A major incident late in Stage 2 saw Hamlin involved in contact with Justin Allgaier, who pinched the No.
11 into the wall while battling for the lead, triggering a “Big One” that collected around 20 cars. Allgaier initially took full blame, admitting the lane closed too quickly, but Hamlin later shared responsibility on his podcast, saying he deserved about 20% for an overly aggressive move. “It’s an 80-20 situation in hindsight,” Hamlin explained, acknowledging the risks inherent in pack racing at Daytona.
That wreck scattered the field and set the tone for a unpredictable final stages. Multiple big crashes punctuated the race, including one on the last lap that eliminated several contenders vying for the win. Reddick, who had conserved his equipment and positioned himself perfectly, capitalized on the mayhem to surge ahead and claim his first Daytona 500 victory. The triumph was especially sweet for 23XI Racing, the team Hamlin co-owns with Michael Jordan and Curtis Polk.
Just months earlier, 23XI had been embroiled in a high-profile antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, accusing the sanctioning body of monopolistic practices and unfair charter allocations. The case settled in December 2025, granting 23XI and Front Row Motorsports permanent charters—a resolution that many viewed as a moral victory for the underdog teams.
Hamlin’s post-race comments reflected this layered emotion. In the victory lane press conference alongside Reddick and crew chief Billy Scott, he praised the team’s execution while hinting at broader frustrations with NASCAR’s direction. He highlighted how teams involved in the lawsuit—23XI, Front Row, and Richard Childress Racing—dominated Speedweeks, with wins across multiple series. “All we do is win,” Hamlin quipped with a laugh when reminded of the sweep, a subtle jab at NASCAR’s establishment that underscored the shifting power dynamics. The comment resonated across the garage, symbolizing triumph both on the track and in the courtroom.
Yet, Hamlin did not stop there. In subsequent interviews and on his “Actions Detrimental” podcast, he dropped pointed criticisms that many interpreted as a bombshell aimed at NASCAR’s leadership. He questioned race control’s handling of cautions, particularly their reluctance to throw yellow flags for debris or incidents that could have altered strategies. Hamlin noted that he “saw no danger” in some no-calls during the week, but implied the inconsistency frustrated drivers who wanted safer, more predictable officiating.
He also teased potential fixes for recurring issues like fuel-saving parades that slow speeds and reduce excitement, suggesting NASCAR might need to push horsepower and speeds higher—perhaps back toward 200 mph—to restore aggressive racing.
These remarks came amid a backdrop of other controversies swirling around the weekend. NASCAR’s approach to cautions drew scrutiny after last year’s debates, with officials promising more aggressive debris calls based on driver feedback—including from Hamlin himself. Yet, some felt the execution fell short in the 500. Off-track drama added fuel: Joe Gibbs Racing filed a lawsuit against former crew chief Chris Gabehart, alleging he shared confidential information with Spire Motorsports after departing.
Hamlin, who worked closely with Gabehart for years, responded indirectly on social media with a reaction GIF, avoiding direct commentary but signaling the tension within his primary team.
The race’s final laps amplified the sense of scandal for some fans and observers. With contenders like Michael McDowell and Chase Elliott in position to win, the late wreck handed Reddick the victory in a manner reminiscent of past Daytona finishes decided by chaos rather than pure speed. Critics pointed to pack-racing risks, while supporters celebrated the drama that makes the 500 unique. Hamlin, finishing well back after his earlier troubles, expressed mixed feelings. As a driver, he left Daytona with just eight points under the new structure, far short of what he felt capable of achieving.As an owner, however, the win validated years of investment and the legal fight that secured his team’s future.
Hamlin’s outspoken nature has always made him a polarizing figure, but his post-Daytona comments carried extra weight given the context. He reflected on the offseason challenges—personal losses, a shoulder injury, and the lawsuit’s toll—while emphasizing pride in 23XI’s performance. Bubba Wallace, his teammate, led laps and finished strong in the top 10, further proving the team’s competitiveness. Hamlin suggested this was just the beginning, hinting at ambitions to challenge NASCAR’s “Big Three” (Hendrick, Gibbs, and Penske) more consistently.
In the end, the 2026 Daytona 500 encapsulated the sport’s current state: thrilling action marred by wrecks and debates, with underdog stories emerging from legal battles and on-track execution. Hamlin’s bombshell statements—critiquing officiating, teasing rule changes, and celebrating his dual role—ensured the conversation extended far beyond Victory Lane. Whether NASCAR heeds his calls remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Denny Hamlin, even in defeat as a driver, refuses to stay silent when he sees room for improvement.
The Great American Race delivered fireworks, smoke, and plenty of talking points, and Hamlin made sure his voice was among the loudest in the aftermath.
