The final stage of the NASCAR Cup Series event at Watkins Glen turned dramatic when Cody Ware slammed into the Turn 3 wall with only ten laps remaining, leaving a jagged scar on the barrier that was captured by fans on social media.
Race control elected not to deploy a caution, allowing the incident to remain on track for nine more laps before Shane van Gisbergen claimed victory, a decision that sparked immediate backlash from drivers and observers.
On the "Actions Detrimental" podcast, Denny Hamlin laid out his frustration, stating that the missed caution was "unacceptable" and that NASCAR’s monitoring was inadequate, urging the series to assign more personnel to watch for on‑track incidents.
A Call for Accountability
Hamlin pointed to a parallel episode at the Chicago Street Race, where NASCAR also failed to throw a caution after a similar wreck, and he directly called out Managing Director of Race Communications Mike Forde for the oversight. He argued that the sport’s credibility hinges on transparent, consistent officiating and that the current response falls short of fan expectations.
The driver’s comments have reignited a broader conversation about safety protocols and the need for technological upgrades in race control, with many wondering whether the series will adopt stricter review processes or simply accept the status quo.