Gene Haas Speaks Out, Accuses Christopher Bell of ‘Intentionally’ Pushing Cole Custer, Leading to Ryan Preece’s Horrific Crash at Daytona 500
Gene Haas, a prominent figure in NASCAR and co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, has broken his silence regarding the controversial and horrifying crash involving Ryan Preece at the Daytona 500. The incident, which unfolded in the final laps of the race, led to a devastating sequence of events that saw Preece’s car flipping multiple times before coming to a halt. In a bold move, Haas has accused Christopher Bell of intentionally causing the accident by pushing Cole Custer in a reckless and dangerous manner, a claim that has shaken the NASCAR community and raised questions about the safety and ethics of high-speed racing.
The Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious events in NASCAR, is known for its intense competition and high-speed action, especially in the final laps. However, the 2025 edition of the race took a shocking turn when Ryan Preece was involved in a multi-car pileup that left fans on the edge of their seats. With just five laps remaining, the drivers were engaged in a fierce battle for position, pushing each other to the limit in a desperate bid for victory. But what seemed like a typical high-speed maneuver soon turned into a nightmare.
The cause of the crash, according to Haas, can be traced back to an aggressive move by Christopher Bell. The driver of the No. 20 car attempted to push Cole Custer, but the force of the push was too much to handle. Bell’s attempt to gain ground on the leader led to Custer losing control of his car, which then collided with the wall. The impact triggered a chain reaction, sending several cars into chaos, with Ryan Preece’s car being caught in the melee. Preece’s vehicle was struck on the side, lifting it off the ground and causing it to flip multiple times before crashing back onto the track.
Preece’s crash was nothing short of terrifying. As his car tumbled through the air, fans watched in horror, knowing that the danger involved in NASCAR racing can be catastrophic. Fortunately, Preece emerged from the wreckage without any major injuries, thanks to the cutting-edge safety features in NASCAR’s cars, such as the HANS device and the SAFER barriers that line the walls of the racetrack. But the images of his car flipping and landing hard on the ground will forever be etched in the minds of fans and drivers alike.
In the aftermath of the crash, Haas wasted no time in making his feelings known. The team owner accused Bell of intentionally making a move that led to the pileup, describing it as a reckless and dangerous decision. “There was no reason for Bell to push Custer that hard,” Haas said in a statement. “He knew the risks involved, and yet he made the choice to go for it, causing a chain reaction that led to one of the most horrific crashes we’ve seen in recent years. This wasn’t just a racing incident — it was a clear example of poor judgment.”
Haas’s accusations have stirred a debate within the NASCAR community about the ethics of pushing and drafting in the sport. While bump drafting is a common tactic in NASCAR, especially at superspeedways like Daytona, there is an unspoken understanding among drivers that pushing too hard can lead to disastrous consequences. Many see Haas’s comments as a direct critique of Bell’s decision to take a risky approach with such little time left in the race, especially considering the potential consequences.
Christopher Bell, for his part, has denied any intentional wrongdoing, stating that he was simply trying to get closer to Custer in the final laps of the race. Bell explained that the push was an attempt to help Custer gain speed, but the maneuver went wrong when the cars made contact. “I didn’t mean for anything like this to happen,” Bell said after the race. “It’s part of racing, and I feel terrible for Ryan and everyone involved. We all know the risks, but sometimes things happen that are beyond our control.”
Despite Bell’s explanation, Haas is steadfast in his belief that the crash could have been avoided if Bell had been more cautious. “At the end of the day, it’s about making smart decisions and keeping the safety of your fellow drivers in mind,” Haas stated. “What happened at Daytona was a result of poor decision-making, and it could have been prevented.”
The crash has also raised important questions about the safety protocols in NASCAR. While the sport has made significant strides in improving driver safety over the years, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the inherent dangers that come with high-speed racing. Fans and drivers alike continue to push for further advancements in car design, track safety, and race regulations to ensure that drivers are as protected as possible when they take to the track.
As the NASCAR season progresses, all eyes will be on how this incident is handled. Will Bell face repercussions for his actions? Will there be changes to the rules governing bump drafting and pushing in future races? Only time will tell, but what is clear is that this crash has sparked a much-needed conversation about the balance between competition and safety in NASCAR.
For Ryan Preece, the Daytona 500 will be a race he will likely want to forget, but he can take solace in the fact that he walked away from a life-threatening crash without serious injury. As for Gene Haas, his outspoken criticism of Christopher Bell has brought a fresh perspective to the ongoing debate about the risks and responsibilities that come with NASCAR racing.
