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Daytona Beach, FL – Denny Hamlin, driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, has acknowledged his part in the significant multi-car incident, dubbed "The Big One," that marred the 68th Daytona 500. The crash, which occurred on Lap 124 as the field approached the conclusion of the second stage, involved approximately 20 cars and significantly altered the race’s complexion. While JR Motorsports driver Justin Allgaier initially claimed full responsibility immediately following the incident, Hamlin, speaking on Monday’s season premiere of his "Actions Detrimental" podcast, conceded that he shoulders approximately 20 percent of the blame.
The critical moment unfolded as Allgaier, running on the inside line, provided a narrow gap between his car and the wall. Hamlin, sensing an opportunity for a decisive run to the front, opted to move his No. 11 Toyota to the outside. It was during this maneuver that Allgaier, in a seemingly reactive movement, edged towards the wall, leaving insufficient space for Hamlin. The contact between the two lead cars sent them both into the barrier, triggering a chain reaction that collected a substantial portion of the field.
"Allgaier took 100 percent of the blame; I’ll take 20 of it," Hamlin stated on his podcast, providing context for his revised assessment. "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."
Hamlin elaborated on his strategic thinking, emphasizing the importance of track position and stage points in the early stages of the NASCAR Cup Series season. "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. 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."
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The driver of the No. 11 acknowledged that his aggressive approach was predicated on an assumption of available space. "It was enough space, obviously, if he didn’t move up, I had outside position, but it probably happened so quickly that it caught him off guard. So, for me, I think my 20 percent is that he probably didn’t have a whole lot of time to react or see that was coming, therefore was late to react to it."
Reflecting on the incident with the benefit of hindsight, Hamlin indicated that he would have approached the situation differently had he foreseen the outcome. "Had I had it to do all over again, I would have stayed on (Allgaier)," he admitted. "We were running 10 mph faster than him at the time because of the push I got. If I go into the tri-oval and check-up for him, does (Ryan Blaney) just plow into the back of me? Probably not because he’s got a good spotter, he’s good driver, so they can know and plan for that kind of stuff, but it would have caused a huge domino effect had I checked up and not taken it."
Hamlin also considered an alternative strategy that might have avoided the contact. "Or I could have just gone to the bottom and probably cleared him with the speed differential that I had. … Again, doing it all over again, had I known what the result was going to be, I would have just stayed in line there for a few more laps."
The Daytona 500, a crown jewel event in NASCAR, is renowned for its unpredictable nature and the high potential for multi-car incidents, particularly on the restrictor-plate superspeedways. The "Big One" is a term commonly used to describe a large-scale crash that can drastically alter the outcome of a race, often involving a significant percentage of the field. Such incidents typically occur due to aerodynamic drafting, where cars run in close proximity, making any misstep or unexpected move by one car capable of triggering a widespread accident.
Allgaier, driving the No. 7 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, is a seasoned competitor in the Xfinity Series and has made select Cup Series starts. His team, owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., is a prominent organization in NASCAR’s national series. Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner and a prominent figure in the Cup Series for over a decade, is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic acumen. His podcast, "Actions Detrimental," has become a platform for drivers and industry insiders to discuss racing events and offer candid perspectives.
The crash on Lap 124 significantly impacted the race’s progression. The extensive damage forced several prominent drivers out of contention, reshaping the field for the remaining laps. The incident underscored the inherent risks associated with superspeedway racing and the delicate balance drivers must maintain between aggressively pursuing track position and avoiding catastrophic accidents. The long-term implications for drivers involved, particularly those whose cars sustained significant damage, will become clearer as the season progresses. The Daytona 500 historically sets the tone for the early part of the NASCAR Cup Series season, and incidents like "The Big One" often become talking points and analysis points throughout the year.
The Joe Gibbs Racing team, a powerhouse in NASCAR, is consistently a contender in every series they compete in. Hamlin’s performance in the Daytona 500, despite the incident, will be analyzed in the context of his team’s overall season objectives. Similarly, the performance of JR Motorsports and Allgaier will be evaluated within their own competitive benchmarks. The drivers and teams will now turn their attention to the subsequent races on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, aiming to rebound and contend for victories and championship points. The outcome of the Daytona 500, and the events that transpired within it, will undoubtedly contribute to the narrative of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.
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