William Byron emerged as the winner of the 2024 Daytona 500 on Monday when he led at the time of caution on the final lap.
Byron narrowly defeated teammate Alex Bowman as they vied for the lead while Ross Chastain and Austin Cindric spun out behind them. The incident occurred as the field crossed the start-finish line for the white flag lap.
This marks Byron’s first Daytona 500 victory, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s up-and-coming stars in his 20s.
The outcome of the race has stirred controversy due to the circumstances of the incident and the subsequent caution. Should NASCAR have handled the situation differently?
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Why NASCAR called for a caution on Daytona 500 final lap
The crash involving Chastain and Cindric led to an awkward decision by NASCAR. Both drivers spun just before Byron took the white flag, but the caution was only announced after Byron had crossed the start-finish line to begin the white flag lap.
At least one other car was also involved in the crash, with Cindric and the other vehicle sliding up the track as the field navigated through the tri-oval.
Every detail of the final lap of the Daytona 500 will undoubtedly be scrutinized. NASCAR swiftly issued a caution flag soon 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,” tweeted NASCAR managing director of communications Mike Forde 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 suggests it was a close call, and NASCAR and FOX should have had a clearer view of the side-by-side battle between Bowman and Byron as the green light on the catchfence turned yellow, indicating the caution on the speedway.
On the white flag lap, NASCAR rules dictate that the field is frozen at the moment of caution.
From Bowman’s in-car camera view, it appears that Byron and Bowman were neck and neck when the caution light flashed. From the angles provided, Byron seems to be ahead just after crossing the start-finish line, but Bowman is closing in.
NASCAR shared an aerial photo that they used to confirm Byron as the winner.
Lack of a clear viewpoint by the FOX telecast to show the frontrunner when the caution was called only added to the confusion. FOX had numerous cameras around the track and in the race cars, including several intriguing shots during the 18-car crash with eight laps to go.
Even though NASCAR’s photo was an aerial view, it’s evident that there should be better angles available with FOX’s resources beyond an in-car shot and a slowed-down camera angle from atop the grandstands.
Regardless, NASCAR made the right call. Byron was ahead when the caution was signaled and is the rightful winner.
Who won the Daytona 500?
26-year-old William Byron clinched his 11th career NASCAR Cup Series victory and his first Daytona 500 title on Monday. Byron has been driving the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet since 2018 and enjoyed a breakout season in 2023 with six wins.