Denny Hamlin has openly acknowledged that a stubborn injury from his crash at the Daytona 500 continues to cast a shadow over his 2025 NASCAR season, despite his competitive return to the track. Speaking candidly during a recent “Actions Detrimental” podcast episode alongside fellow NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, Hamlin shared that the wrist injury he suffered during the chaotic closing moments at Daytona International Speedway remains unresolved, even several months after the accident.
The Daytona 500, held at the iconic Florida superspeedway, set the tone for the season with drama and high expectations. Hamlin, piloting the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, was in prime position for a record fourth Daytona victory when the narrative shifted abruptly. A yellow flag at lap 196 led to a tense restart. With Austin Cindric outside and Hamlin controlling the inside, the No. 11 made a powerful move but was quickly challenged by a Ford duo—Cindric and Cole Custer—who surged forward following turn two. In a blur of speed and close competition on the final lap, contact among drivers sparked a devastating multi-car pileup.
The incident, involving Hamlin, Corey Lajoie, Austin Dillon, Justin Haley, Chase Briscoe, Justin Allgaier, Custer, Tyler Reddick, Alex Bowman, Cody Ware, and Ty Gibbs, was triggered after Riley Herbst was bumped into the grass, further escalating tensions that had been brewing throughout the race. Custer, colliding with Briscoe, slammed into Hamlin’s car, pushing the No. 11 up the track and ending Hamlin’s hopes for victory. Although he managed to finish P24, Hamlin left Daytona with an injury that would persist far longer than the race itself.
Reflecting on the crash, Denny Hamlin revealed,
“I got in a wreck in Daytona this year and my wrist is still not the same. In February, that’s three months now, and it’s still not right.”
The words carried a somber weight, layered with concern about his ongoing physical struggle as the season advances. Kyle Busch, sympathetic, commented,
“Mine took until about the end of the year to be right. There’s still times when I work out that I’m like ‘hmm, it’s gonna be sore for this week.’”
Hamlin’s lingering injury underscores the brutal toll high-stakes racing can inflict, raising questions about his performance and resilience as the NASCAR championship race intensifies. Although Denny Hamlin has already clinched a playoff spot following an impressive Martinsville win, his unresolved wrist issue lingers as a point of unease for fans and team members alike. As the 2025 season continues, attention will remain fixed on whether Hamlin’s enduring injury impacts his ability to chase another championship, amplifying tension around each track he faces.
