The 2025 Daytona 500 was packed with excitement, but not everyone walked away happy. Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner, was one of the most vocal critics after the race, expressing frustration over NASCAR’s continued push for aggressive pack racing. Many drivers have voiced concerns about the dangers of high-speed pack racing, yet NASCAR remains firm in its stance, insisting that this racing format delivers the action fans want.
Denny Hamlin’s Frustration with Pack Racing
Hamlin has never been shy about speaking his mind, and after this year’s Daytona 500, he didn’t hold back. The veteran driver believes NASCAR’s rules are designed to force drivers into risky situations, increasing the chances of massive multi-car wrecks. With multiple crashes occurring throughout the race, including late-race chaos that wiped out several top contenders, Hamlin questioned whether safety is truly a priority.
“I just want to see us do something different, to put the sport back in it and take luck back out of these prestigious events,” Hamlin said. His argument is that the current racing scenario favors luck rather than raw driving skills.
Ive had enough Jeff. https://t.co/UtbVU6L8Gu
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) February 17, 2025
His concerns are shared by other drivers who have raised alarms over the dangers of superspeedway racing. However, NASCAR has shown no sign of making changes, insisting that the current format is what keeps fans engaged.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps Responds
While drivers have expressed frustration, NASCAR’s leadership sees things differently. President Steve Phelps stood by the decisions made, calling the 2025 Daytona 500 a huge success. He emphasized that the race delivered intense competition and an unforgettable finish—exactly what the sport aims to provide, even after a three-hour rain delay.
“On Sunday, obviously, there was a rain delay for roughly three hours, which is always difficult. There’s no worse place to be than at a racetrack when it rains. But despite that, numbers were up—up 13%. And there was an energy level all weekend that hasn’t been experienced in a while. And that’s saying a lot because it’s always a sell out, but this year, it just seemed to be at a different level,” Phelps said.
While pack racing often leads to spectacular wrecks, it also produces the kind of drama that keeps fans invested. The debate over whether the risks are worth it continues, but for now, NASCAR is standing firm. With more superspeedway races on the calendar, it remains to be seen whether NASCAR will consider adjustments. But for now, Hamlin and his fellow drivers will have to adapt and brace themselves for more high-speed, high-risk pack racing.
