Austin Cindric receives praise from Denny Hamlin after Cindric's 'evolution' as a superspeedway racer in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Austin Cindric had a different week compared to some others after the Daytona 500 as one of those who wasn’t criticized for the moves he made. He actually received praise. One of the most notable

After his late heartbreak at Daytona, Austin Cindric suffered another premature end as he crashed in the final stages of the race in Atlanta. The Team Penske No.2 driver was the frontrunner to cross the line in the final three laps of the Ambetter Health 400.

Denny Hamlin has had enough of young NASCAR drivers who make costly mistakes at the end of races. On his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin called out other drivers after being involved in a last-lap wreck at the Daytona 500.

"It's why in my opinion, right now one of the greatest superspeedway drivers we have is Austin Cindric," Hamlin said on his post-Daytona 500 edition of Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin.

(AP Photo/John Raoux) Denny Hamlin (11), Austin Cindric (2), Kyle Larson (5) and Joey Logano (22) head to turn 1 during early laps of the second of two NASCAR Daytona 500 qualifying auto races at Daytona International Speedway, Thursday, Feb. 13 ...

Byron shot from ninth to first on the final lap after Denny Hamlin and Austin Cindric crashed racing for the win

While Denny Hamlin lost out on his fourth Daytona 500 win, his 23XI Racing organization had some moderate success. Tyler Reddick was runner-up on Sunday in the Great American Race, and Bubba Wallace brought home a win in his NASCAR Duel race earlier in the week.

Denny Hamlin appeared poised for victory as he battled Austin Cindric for the lead, but a late wreck dashed his hopes, leaving him to finish 24th while William Byron claimed his second consecutive Daytona 500 win. Describing the result, Hamlin posted a strong reaction on X, stating "That s**ked."

Follow along with our live race updates. Austin Cindric moved by Denny Hamlin for the lead coming to the white flag, and nearly the entire field crashes on the backstretch except for William Byron, Tyler Reddick, Jimmie Johnson and Chase Briscoe.

Polesitter Austin Cindric led a Ford blockade and nipped Erik Jones on the final lap to win Speedweeks' Duel 2 on Thursday night at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Austin Cindric‘s first career NASCAR Cup Series ... three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin — a pat-on-the-back not so common in the sport. MORE: Atlanta lineup | Weekend schedule ...