For anyone who thinks #NASCAR should have let them race back to the flag last night, a few counterpoints...

1. Fire in race cars is bad. At any level, it's one of the most dangerous things in racing. Any fire on track should always be an instant yellow.

#NASCAR | #Daytona500

2. Car in the air. We don't know how it's going to come down, shed parts, anything like that. Incoming cars need to be slowing down and a called yellow ensures that instead of racing through a major accident scene. There were cars coming behind that wreck.

#NASCAR | #Daytona500

3. People never think about this one... NASCAR CANNOT roll safety vehicles until the yellow is called. That's why you always hear "Put it out; roll safety" on the radio.

In a situation as bad as last night, I want safety to drivers as fast as possible.

#NASCAR | #Daytona500

My dad is a sprint car safety official. I've watched too many guys hurt or killed in open wheel, short track and NASCAR over the years.

When there's a situation that visibly serious, those extra seconds could be the difference between life and death.

#NASCAR | #Daytona500

You can say in hindsight, "Well, everyone was OK," but live, in the moment, YOU DON'T KNOW THAT.

Better to have safety there fast and everyone be OK, than take time and risk someone being seriously injured and in need.

We. Can't. Take. Chances.

Ever.

#NASCAR | #Daytona500