During the Daytona 500, tensions were high as veteran driver Jeff Gordon and rising star William Byron teamed up to publicly call out Joey Logano for what they described as “stupid” actions during the race. Their comments came after a particularly controversial moment in the race that left fans and commentators in disbelief.

The incident unfolded late in the race, when Logano, known for his aggressive driving style, made a bold move that many believed to be reckless. As the cars jostled for position, Logano’s decision to block and then aggressively defend his spot caused a chain reaction that nearly led to a massive crash. Although he managed to avoid direct contact with other drivers, the maneuver put several cars in jeopardy, including those of Gordon’s and Byron’s teammates.

Gordon, a four-time Cup Series champion and current broadcaster, didn’t hold back during his post-race analysis. “What Joey did out there was nothing short of stupid,” Gordon remarked. “He put not only himself but the entire field at risk for the sake of trying to hold onto a position that didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things.” His words were sharp and pointed, a rare sight from a man known for his level-headed approach to racing and broadcasting.

Byron, who was also caught in the middle of the fray, echoed Gordon’s sentiments. “Joey’s move was incredibly reckless,” said the 25-year-old driver. “It’s one thing to race hard, but when you start taking unnecessary risks that could hurt others, that’s where I draw the line. That wasn’t racing, that was a dumb move.”

Logano’s actions have been a topic of controversy in NASCAR for years. While he’s widely regarded as one of the sport’s most talented and successful drivers, his aggressive tactics often draw criticism. Many fans and fellow drivers view him as a polarizing figure, someone who will do whatever it takes to win, even if it means stepping over the line of sportsmanship.

After the race, Logano addressed the incident, insisting that he was simply racing to win, as he always does. “I made a move to try to stay up front. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I’m out there to win, not to make friends,” he said in a brief interview. However, the backlash from fellow drivers and fans alike suggested that Logano’s actions were not as easily justified as he believed.

The Daytona 500 is one of the most prestigious races in the NASCAR calendar, and emotions run high every year. The tight racing and close calls often lead to heated exchanges, but rarely do drivers take to the media with such harsh criticism of one another. Gordon and Byron’s public condemnation of Logano’s actions has added fuel to an already fiery rivalry between the drivers, one that could continue to smolder throughout the season.

While some may argue that Logano’s aggressive driving is simply part of his winning mentality, others, including Gordon and Byron, believe it crosses the line into recklessness. The debate over what constitutes acceptable racing will likely continue as the season progresses, but for now, it’s clear that the fallout from Daytona 500 will leave a lasting impression on both the drivers involved and their fans.