I went back and reviewed the video several more times. I was wrong in my posts 40 and 45. My bad!
Hamlin did not run into Newman. Blaney did.
It is clearly evident that Hamlin “Bump Drafted” Blaney into Newman.
Both Blaney and Newman got out of shape; Newman moved down the track (to block Blaney? Or trying to regain control?) and Blaney rear ended him.
IMHO, had Hamlin NOT been allowed by NASCAR rules to “Bump Draft” Blaney, it is possible that the wreck would not have happened.
> IMHO, had Hamlin NOT been allowed by NASCAR rules to “Bump Draft” Blaney, it is possible that the wreck would not have happened.
NASCAR tried that in the 90’s(?). They ended up with a parade of cars rolling around the track. Virtually al the drivers hated it.