During a recent episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast, Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin spoke openly about the massive crash known as the “big one” that occurred during the Daytona 500. Hamlin assigned full responsibility to JR Motorsports driver Justin Allgaier for triggering the wreck but also accepted a 20% share of the blame for his own aggressive tactics during the race.
The crash unfolded on lap 124 of the 500-mile event at Daytona International Speedway, involving approximately 20 cars and drastically impacting the competition’s outcome. Hamlin, driving the #11 Toyota Camry XSE, revealed that he had given Allgaier enough room to pass while trying to position himself for stage points near the stage’s end.
Details Behind the Incident That Altered the Daytona 500
Hamlin described how Allgaier’s unexpected late block caused a chain reaction resulting in the massive pile-up on the tri-oval. Though Hamlin was attempting an aggressive move to finish the stage strongly, he believed Allgaier should have anticipated his intent.
“Allgaier took 100 percent of the blame; I’ll take 20 of it. I’ll take 20 of it because it was an aggressive move, but it’s coming at the end of the stage. He’s gotta know I’m gonna be aggressive, like, I’m gonna take every run I’m gonna get at the end of a stage because stage points do matter to me. I established very early I wanted to be in the top. It’s why once I cleared the bottom lane, I went right to the top.” – Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing driver
Hamlin further clarified his racing line choice just before the crash:
“That’s where I wanted to be to end the stage. I was coming with such a massive run… I made up my mind probably 100 yards or so before I actually went high; I said, ‘I’m going to the outside no matter what,’ because I knew where he had run on the top before that, so I’d knew there’d be enough space.” – Denny Hamlin
Hamlin admitted that had he fully understood the consequences of the move earlier, he might have opted to remain in line longer. The crash ultimately relegated Hamlin to a disappointing 31st-place finish, while Allgaier was unable to complete the race, ending with a DNF and placed 38th in his #40 Chevy Camaro ZL1.
Hamlin Reflects on Ongoing Sponsorship with National Debt Relief
In addition to race events, Hamlin shared insights into his sponsorship deal with National Debt Relief, which began in 2025 when the company supported four races on his #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. The partnership, launched during the season-opening Daytona 500, was renewed for the 2026 schedule and expanded to cover 12 races this year.
The 2026 Daytona 500, held on February 15 at Daytona International Speedway, marked the continuation of this collaboration. Hamlin expressed his enthusiasm in a team statement about the brand’s growing involvement:
“National Debt Relief is a great partner for our No. 11 team. Last year, their team was incredible with how they became ingrained with Joe Gibbs Racing and how they activated with the commercial spot and during the broadcasts, which grew awareness that National Debt Relief is a brand consumers can trust to help them find a faster path to debt freedom. I’m excited to see how we can continue to grow this partnership and get them to victory lane in 2026.” – Denny Hamlin
Impact of Daytona 500 and Future Considerations
Despite Hamlin’s promising start and strategic efforts, the constraints of the crash altered the trajectory of his season opening. The Daytona 500 remains a pivotal moment for drivers, including Hamlin and Allgaier, as they regroup following a high-profile incident that showcased the intensity and unpredictability of NASCAR racing.
Meanwhile, Tyler Reddick, driver for Hamlin’s co-owned 23XI Racing, secured his first Daytona 500 victory, highlighting the varied outcomes from the same event. Hamlin’s reflections on both his sponsorship and the crash underscore ongoing pressures and challenges within the sport, as drivers continue to navigate competition and partnerships in pursuit of success.
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