Unofficially speaking, the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season got under way two weeks ago at Bowman Gray Stadium with the traditional season-opening exhibition race, The Clash. However, things really begin to heat up this weekend with the legendary Daytona 500. Prior to the 500, drivers competed in the The Duels at Daytona on Thursday night to set the field for Sunday’s race. The top 10 drivers in each of the two 125-mile races also earned points toward this season’s championship.
Polarizing superstar Bubba Wallace won the first of the two duels after a chaotic 60 laps. But the second of the two duels was far more tame. That is, up until the final lap.
Austin Cindric, who one of the 2023 Daytona 500 in his rookie season, led the field halfway through the final lap. But that’s when Erik Jones, who runs for Legacy Motor Club owned by seven-time champion Jimmie Johnsonm made his move.
Jones pulled alongside Cindric and a huge crash occurred behind them as they came to the line, with Jones crossing just before Cindric. Jones appeared to have won the race and began to celebrate, even standing atop his car at the start-finish line.
However, there was a catch. Due to the accident, NASCAR threw a caution just prior to the drivers crossing the line. NASCAR rules dictate that whoever was ahead at the time of the caution on the final lap is deemed the winner.
AUSTIN CINDRIC WINS DUEL 2 AT DAYTONA!
He was ahead of Erik Jones at the moment of caution. #Daytona500 pic.twitter.com/AkLbwiSTOU
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) February 14, 2025
In this case, that meant Cindric. Even Cindric himself was unaware he won until he was informed by officials long after the race ended.
Jones handled the situation in stride, calling it “a bummer” but acknowledging the rule. Johnson, however, called the situation “bulls—.” As did several NASCAR fans.
Additionally, Hall of Famer Mark Martin called out the series for not throwing a caution at the end of the legendary 2007 Daytona 500 which he narrowly lost to Kevin Harvick in a similar situation.
Ultimately, Thursday’s duel races are a small part of the larger equation. They’re not as important as the Daytona 500 and have little bearing on the playoffs. But it’s still a bad look for the series and a tough spot for Jones, who handled it with class.
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NASCAR Under Fire After Controversial End To Season-Opening Duel Race At Daytona
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