During the recent Chicago race, Cody Ware crashed into the tire barrier at nearly 93 miles per hour but remained trapped, calling for help. Despite this, NASCAR delayed issuing a caution flag for almost 35 seconds, allowing Shane van Gisbergen to cross the finish line first. Denny Hamlin, a seasoned driver with Joe Gibbs Racing, openly criticized NASCAR’s delayed response, questioning their justification for the timing. The situation has sparked the ongoing Denny Hamlin NASCAR caution controversy.
Hamlin Questions NASCAR’s Official Explanation for Delay
Speaking on his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin weighed in on why he doubts NASCAR’s clarifications regarding the incident. He acknowledged the possible influence of various factors such as approaching bad weather and the risk of lightning.
“Regardless of what they tell you, no question, rain coming in, the possibility of lightning, the possibility of a complete s**t show… All that played into a factor, in my opinion,”
Hamlin explained.
Still, he strongly rejected NASCAR’s claim that officials failed to immediately recognize the severity of Ware’s crash.
“But, they’re saying that they didn’t see how big the hit was. That, I don’t understand that. You were not doing your job officiating, if you don’t see. It’s one thing to look over and say, ‘Oh, there’s a car over there.’ You’ve got to know how they got there.”
Co-host Jared Allen proposed the idea that NASCAR might have accelerated the conclusion of the race due to impending weather conditions, a point Hamlin readily agreed with.
“They will never say that, but it was just… I’m very certain in my belief that there are a lot of factors, some bad weather really close, that played a factor in when that caution was called.”
Details of Cody Ware’s Crash at Chicago
On the second-to-last lap of the Grant Park 165 event, Ware suffered a brake rotor failure and missed Turn 6, crashing headfirst into the tire barrier at high speed. The Rick Ware Racing driver became trapped within the tires and struggled to free himself while calling for assistance.
The much-anticipated caution flag was not deployed until nearly 35 seconds later, after Shane van Gisbergen had already finished the race. Fans and drivers alike expressed concern over the delay, particularly given the high priority of safety in the sport.
Implications of the Delayed Caution on NASCAR’s Reputation
The delayed safety response at Chicago has intensified scrutiny over NASCAR’s officiating standards. Hamlin’s pointed criticism reflects widespread unease among participants and followers who question the impartiality and reliability of race management during critical moments. This controversy shines a light on NASCAR’s handling of safety incidents and may prompt calls for procedural reviews or reforms ahead of future races.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Since starting his full-time career in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin has achieved significant success. He has won 51 Cup Series races and captured three Daytona 500 titles in 2016, 2019, and 2020. Alongside these accomplishments, Hamlin has also made millions of dollars.
Q. Why did Denny Hamlin sue NASCAR?
A. Late last year, 23XI and Front Row Racing filed a lawsuit against NASCAR. They did this because they didn’t want to agree to the new charter renewal deals. They sought a temporary order to keep their chartered status for this season. However, on Thursday, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, decided in NASCAR’s favor.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has built a huge empire valued at $65 million through various sources of income.
His wealth comes from significant NASCAR earnings through race wins and contracts.
He also has long-term sponsorship agreements with companies including FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. How Hamlin Made His Money: ✔ Earned a lot from NASCAR race wins and agreements. ✔ Had long-term sponsorships with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota. ✔ Co-owns 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, expanding his role into business.
