NASCAR Faces Criticism Over Daytona 500 Crashes and Controversial Finish

Officials and drivers voice concerns about safety, strategy, and the legitimacy of results after a chaotic season opener at Daytona.

The 2025 Daytona 500 saw 48 cars wrecked, including 35 during the race, marking the highest crash count since 2019.
William Byron secured a surprise victory after a last-lap crash involving Denny Hamlin, sparking debates about the race's fairness and NASCAR's caution flag decisions.
NASCAR Race Director Jusan Hamilton acknowledged regret over some officiating decisions, emphasizing the challenge of making real-time calls during races.
Veteran drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Denny Hamlin criticized the current rules and Next Gen car design, claiming they prioritize survival over skill and strategy at superspeedways.
Safety concerns have resurfaced after multiple airborne crashes, with Ryan Preece voicing fears about the risks of superspeedway racing under the current conditions.