Controversial Daytona 500 finish sparks debate: Did William Byron or Alex Bowman win?

William Byron won the 66th running of the Daytona 500 Monday — or did he?

That is the big question among NASCAR fans this evening, as some feel that Alex Bowman should have been named the victor. It all depends on when NASCAR decided to throw the caution flag on the last-lap, multi-car wreck, and where Byron and Bowman were on the racetrack at that exact time.

Looking at a replay in slow motion, it appears that Bowman had passed Byron when the caution lights first flashed yellow. The NASCAR Rule Book states, “When the yellow flag is displayed and/or the caution lights are illuminated (yellow) during the white flag lap, cars will be scored based on their respective track position.”

10-7 White Flag

"When the yellow flag is displayed and/or the caution lights are illuminated (yellow) during the white flag lap, cars will be scored based on their respective track
position"

Bowman was robbed – rules state when LIGHTS ILLUMINATEpic.twitter.com/M2NABMoO61

— Fifth Gear (@NotFifthGear) February 20, 2024

According to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, “NASCAR didn’t throw the caution when [Ross] Chastain and [Austin] Cindric started to spin before the start-finish line in hopes they could continue … but once Cindric started moving back up the track, NASCAR decided it had to throw the caution.”

NASCAR showed their work on this one, posting the image they used to determine the finishing order of the Daytona 500.

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

William Byron wins 66th running of the Daytona 500

As seen by the aerial shot, Byron is just ahead of Bowman. That makes him a first-time winner of the Daytona 500; It’s also a record-tying ninth Daytona 500 victory for Hendrick Motorsports and the race team’s first since 2014 when Dale Earnhardt Jr. raced his way to victory lane in the No. 88 Chevrolet.

Byron only led four laps all race long, but it was the final four laps, the four most important laps, after coming out unscathed in a pair of big wrecks within the final 10 laps. One of those “big ones” came as Byron was getting ready to take the white flag. Ross Chastain, riding behind Byron on the outside line, looked to split Byron and Austin Cindric, who was leading the inside line. Chastain and Cindric made contact, sending Chastain sliding into the infield grass.

“I have so many emotions … So proud of this team,” Byron said after the race. “Extremely blessed and thankful for the opportunity. We have a lot to prove this year, and this is a good start.”