Justin Allgaier Takes FULL Blame for Massive Daytona 500 “Big One”

Justin Allgaier did not hesitate to take full blame for the massive crash at the Daytona 500 that ended the race for many drivers.

Justin Allgaier Takes FULL Blame for Massive Daytona 500 “Big One”

Justin Allgaier (via Imagn)

In Short
  • Justin Allgaier took full responsibility for a massive 20-car wreck during the Daytona 500.
  • Despite starting from P40, Allgaier was leading before the crash and expressed disappointment for all affected drivers.
  • He plans to analyze the incident to improve and remains optimistic about his team's performance throughout the race.

The Daytona 500 ended in a disaster despite many of the drivers enjoying the run throughout the session. In the final stages of the race, Justin Allgaier, who was leading at the time, got picked up in a 20-car wreck. Allgaier’s day ended in disappointment despite an impressive pace since the beginning of the race. Now, the #40 driver shows class and takes full blame for the crash.

Justin Allgaier‘s start to the Daytona weekend remained disappointing as he started the race from P40. However, following a massive comeback on track, Allgaier was contending for the race win at the Daytona 400. He could’ve even achieved the race win if it weren’t for the ‘Big One’ during the final stages of the race.

Despite Denny Hamlin seemingly being at fault, Justin Allgaier did not think twice before taking full blame for the accident. In an interview following the culmination of the race, Allgaier highlighted that he was going to take ‘100% responsibility’ for the crash. Further, he pointed out that he hated how everyone got caught up in the crash and ruined their race as well.

Unfortunately I’m going to take 100% responsibility for that one, I hate it for everybody that got caught up in it. It just really stinks.

Justin Allgaier told FOX Sports.

Justin Allgaier recalled the incident and how he thought that Denny Hamlin would push forward on track and open him up to losing the lead. However, Hamlin closed the door on Allgaier, and when he realized it, it was too late to recover himself on track and not cause the big one. The #40 driver recalled that the air caught up in the spoiler meant that his car kept turning right.

I got to the top there and I really, I watched the run coming on the top with Denny. I don’t know. I thought he was going to push. I felt like the lane was closed up just enough that he wouldn’t try to go out there. When I realized he was going to go out there it was just too late. Once we kind of, the air got on the right rear spoiler it kept me turning to the right.

Justin Allgaier added.

Justin Allgaier will try to “figure out” what he could’ve done better

Certainly, Justin Allgaier would’ve achieved his maiden race win in the Cup Series if it weren’t for the massive crash. Despite the disappointing end to the iconic Daytona 500, Allgaier is trying to look at the positives and keep up with the positive momentum. The #40 driver insisted that he would regroup with the team and take a look back at the entire situation.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Justin Allgaier (via Imagn)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Justin Allgaier (via Imagn)

Justin Allgaier highlighted that he will try to figure out what he could’ve done better in the moment to avoid the massive accident. Allgaier reiterated that he hated how everyone was caught up in the crash and got torn up without even being at fault. Despite the negative end to the day, the JRM star revealed that he found solace in the fact that the team had a fast car and was able to run up front the whole day.

We’ll go back, I’ll regroup. I’ll watch this video back a lot and really try to figure out what I could have done better. I hate it that everybody got torn up, like I said, but I’m going to take a lot of solace that we had a fast racecar and we were going to the front.

Justin Allgaier noted.

The 2026 season has just begun, and Justin Allgaier has already achieved great results from the get-go. The #40 driver is thankful for the opportunity and is looking forward to the upcoming races where he can prove his racing mettle to the grid. Allgaier has a shiny career right in front of him in the near future.

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