"That's not fair; almost gave the win to Byron" - Denny Hamlin criticizes NASCAR for late caution calls after Michigan

Denny Hamlin recently criticized NASCAR's decision to display the caution flag in the closing stages of the Firekeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The yellow flag was shown after Hamlin's teammate, Martin Truex Jr., made contact with the wall on turn four with six laps remaining.

Hamlin pilots the #11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, competing full-time in the Cup Series. In his 20-year career in NASCAR, Hamlin has secured 74 race wins across all its divisions. Of the 74 wins, he has acquired 54 in NASCAR's top division. Moreover, Hamlin co-owns the 23XI Racing team with NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan.

The Firekeepers Casino 400 went into overtime after Truex Jr.'s contact with the wall. Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing led the pack with a comfortable two-second advantage over William Byron in second. However, as the caution flag was displayed, Reddick expressed frustration on the team radio, suggesting that it was unnecessary.

"Is this a f*cking joke? C'mon. This is bullsh*t. Touched the f*cking wall, there's some paint on the race track. Good grief," Reddick said. (via @DaveyCenter on X)

Reddick's competitor and team owner, Denny Hamlin, has expressed his disapproval of NASCAR's decision to halt the race, potentially helping HMS driver William Byron close the gap between him and the #45 Toyota.

In a recent episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin said,

"Why are we so quick on that trigger at the end of the race? He hit the wall, there's no question about that. I don't know what his speed went down to but I don't think it went below 100mph." [01:03]

"You just want the best car, the best driver, they deserve to win, and putting them in a spot where they're about to lose, and they almost did. They almost gave this thing to Byron[...]These things just really change the outcome of races," he added. [01:40]

Nevertheless, Reddick managed to clinch victory in a thrilling overtime finish at Michigan. Reddick took control during the second overtime restart after Ross Chastain's spin into the wall triggered a caution in the first overtime.

---

"He’s obviously very excited": Denny Hamlin on Michael Jordan satisfying his winning itch in NASCAR

23XI Racing's co-owner, Michael Jordan, was in attendance at the Firekeepers Casino 400 in Michigan on Sunday. However, the NBA legend was not present when his driver, Tyler Reddick, drove down victory lane.

In a post-race interview, Denny Hamlin was asked how having the presence of a sporting icon like Jordan affects the atmosphere in the 23XI garage. Furthermore, Hamlin was also asked how Jordan reacted to the news of Reddick's victory.

"Yeah, I mean, he’s obviously very excited. Him coming to Michigan, he’s got a schedule of races that he’s going to be going to here, the Playoffs as well. This is a fun hobby for him, a fun business for him, right?" Hamlin said. [13:55]

Hamlin then expressed his appreciation for how Jordan lets him have autonomy over making big decisions.

"When someone who is such a big part of your team gives me the liberty to run this the way I see fit, make personnel changes the way I see fit, make hires for the future, giving me that autonomy. It’s just awesome and it’s why it’s working so well," the 43-year-old added.