William Byron claimed victory in the 2024 Daytona 500 on Monday by leading at the time of caution on the final lap.
Byron narrowly edged out teammate Alex Bowman as they battled for the lead, with Ross Chastain and Austin Cindric spinning behind them as the field approached the start-finish line for the white flag lap.
It marks Byron’s inaugural Daytona 500 triumph, solidifying his rise as one of the sport’s prominent stars in his twenties.
The race’s conclusion sparked controversy due to the incident’s timing and the subsequent caution. Should NASCAR have handled it differently?
William Byron wins the Daytona 500! #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/bmofJSB6k3
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 20, 2024
Why NASCAR Called For A Caution On Daytona 500 Final Lap?
NASCAR faced a challenging decision following the collision between Chastain and Cindric. The timing was particularly awkward as both drivers spun just before Byron crossed the start-finish line to take the white flag. However, the caution was initiated moments after Byron had already passed the line.
At least one additional car was entangled in the crash, causing Cindric and the other vehicle to slide up the track as the field navigated through the tri-oval.In the climactic final lap of the Daytona 500, every detail undergoes intense scrutiny. Yet, NASCAR swiftly waved the caution flag mere seconds after a multi-car wreck unfolded.
“You can also see the No. 2 car coming back up the race track. That’s why the yellow was called,” NASCAR managing director of communications Mike Forde tweeted after the race. “Had hoped (Cindric) would have stayed down on the apron like (Chastain) did and end under green.”
Did William Byron Actually Have The Lead Over Alex Bowman When NASCAR Called For A Caution?
The replay highlights the complexity of the situation, suggesting that NASCAR and FOX could have provided a clearer view of Bowman and Byron racing side-by-side.
Additionally, attention should have been paid to the green light on the catch fence turning yellow, indicating the onset of caution on the speedway.
According to NASCAR rules, on the white flag lap, the field becomes frozen at the time of caution. Bowman’s in-car camera view suggests that Byron and Bowman are in close proximity when the caution light activates.
After taking the white flag, @WilliamByron was the leader at the time of the final caution.
This photo was used to determine the finishing order and Byron's victory in the #DAYTONA500. pic.twitter.com/b0d0UfRaLN
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 20, 2024
While Byron seems to be ahead just after crossing the start-finish line from the provided angles, Bowman appears to be gaining ground.
NASCAR utilized an aerial photo in a tweet to validate Byron’s victory.
The lack of a clear view from the FOX telecast to determine the leader at the moment of caution added to the confusion.
Despite having multiple cameras positioned around the track and within the race cars, including intriguing shots during the earlier 18-car crash with eight laps remaining, FOX failed to provide a definitive angle to ascertain the leader’s position when the caution was initiated.
Who Won The Daytona 500?
26-year-old William Byron clinched his 11th career NASCAR Cup Series victory and secured his maiden Daytona 500 triumph on Monday. Since 2018, Byron has been driving the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, showcasing a breakout performance in 2023 with six notable wins.
