Denny Hamlin has raised sharp concerns after the delayed caution in the NASCAR Chicago race, questioning how officials responded when Cody Ware crashed. The outspoken Joe Gibbs Racing driver focused on race safety and protocol issues, putting the Denny Hamlin questions NASCAR Chicago caution incident under renewed scrutiny.
Hamlin Critiques NASCAR’s Handling of Chicago Finish
Tension arose late in the Grant Park 165 as Cody Ware slammed into the tire barrier at nearly 93 miles per hour, becoming trapped and urgently calling for help. Instead of an immediate response, NASCAR waited for almost 35 seconds before waving the yellow flag, by which time Shane van Gisbergen had already crossed the finish line and secured the win.
Appearing on his Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin gave his perspective on these controversial events. Discussing the incident with co-host Jared Allen, Hamlin expressed skepticism about the official account from the sanctioning body. He began by noting that multiple elements likely influenced NASCAR’s decision-making.
“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,”
he said. —Denny Hamlin, Driver
Hamlin then directly challenged NASCAR’s public rationale.
“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.”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
When Allen suggested that the event may have been hurried due to incoming storms, Hamlin agreed, suggesting that severe weather closely approaching likely affected the call.
“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.”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
Examining the Crash and the Delayed Response
On the penultimate lap of the race, Ware’s brake rotor failed, causing him to miss Turn 6 and hit the barrier with significant force. The Rick Ware Racing driver was visibly trapped and struggled to escape as he called out for support, but no help arrived immediately. Fans and drivers alike anticipated the safety flag, but the caution was issued only after a lengthy delay, ensuring that van Gisbergen, a key competitor, completed the event without further interruption.
The wait for assistance and the apparent priority of finishing under green raised immediate concerns among those watching. With safety being a central value in motorsport, the delayed response prompted widespread debate about NASCAR’s credibility and motivation, fueling doubts about fair and consistent officiating at one of Chicago’s most-watched events.
Ongoing Fallout and Wider Implications
Hamlin’s harsh words have amplified ongoing questions about NASCAR’s priorities in critical race moments, especially when a driver’s wellbeing is on the line. The incident at Grant Park, involving Cody Ware’s wreck and the timing of the caution, has prompted renewed discussions about standards for safety and race management during unpredictable events. With prominent voices such as Hamlin’s expressing frustration publicly, race officials may face mounting pressure to clarify their processes and rebuild trust among both participants and fans.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. Since then, he has had an amazing career. He has won 51 Cup Series races and three Daytona 500s in 2016, 2019, and 2020. Through his racing success, he has also earned millions of dollars.
Q. Why did Denny Hamlin sue NASCAR?
A. 23XI and Front Row filed a lawsuit against NASCAR last year because they wouldn’t agree to new charter renewal deals. They wanted the court to temporarily declare them as official chartered teams for this season. However, on Thursday, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, decided in favor of NASCAR.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. He has built a $65 million empire through his career earnings, endorsements, team ownership, and real estate investments. Hamlin’s success comes from several areas.
First, his huge earnings from NASCAR racing include prize money and contracts. Second, he has secured long-lasting sponsorship deals with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. How Hamlin Built His Wealth: ✔ Earned a lot from NASCAR races and contracts. ✔ Had long-term sponsorship deals with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota. ✔ Co-owned the 23XI Racing team with Michael Jordan, expanding into business outside of racing.
