During the USA Today 301 race at New Hampshire, a heated moment unfolded between Denny Hamlin and his teammate Ty Gibbs, known as the Denny Hamlin Ty Gibbs Incident. Hamlin, a top contender in the NASCAR Cup Series, came under intense pressure to perform well, while Gibbs, not even competing in the playoffs, aggressively challenged Hamlin on track, which led to a collision. This clash resulted in Gibbs crashing and failing to finish the race, drawing criticism from NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Denny Hamlin, who has had a standout season with the most wins on the NASCAR circuit in 2025, entered the race in fifth place in the championship standings and remains a strong candidate for reaching the round of eight. However, tensions rose mid-race as Ty Gibbs, despite his playoff status, refused to yield when leading Hamlin. The veteran driver responded by nudging Gibbs, causing the younger competitor to hit the wall and record a DNF. Hamlin himself ended the race in twelfth but was visibly frustrated by the incident.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Critiques Hamlin’s Decision to Wreck Ty Gibbs
Dale Earnhardt Jr. weighed in on the intra-team battle, questioning the necessity of Hamlin’s aggressive move against Gibbs at New Hampshire. According to Earnhardt Jr., while the reasons for Hamlin’s frustration may be understood, the decision to intentionally spin Gibbs out and cause a crash was not justified. He acknowledged the complicated history between Gibbs and his teammates but stressed that such actions escalate tensions unnecessarily on the track.
“I think everybody understands what happened here, Did Denny have to spin him out to send his message? Was it necessary for Denny to wreck him into the wall? No, probably not. But, damn it — go to look at Ty’s history of, you know, kind of being a little — I don’t know what the word is. I’m trying to choose here.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
Despite grappling with the right terminology, Earnhardt Jr.’s comments reflect his frustration with the ongoing dynamic between Hamlin and Gibbs, highlighting how personal history can fuel on-track conflicts between teammates.
Examining Ty Gibbs’ Track Record as a Teammate
Throughout the 2025 season, Ty Gibbs has struggled to make a significant impact, with his best finish being a third place. In contrast, Denny Hamlin has consistently performed at a high level and is seen as a strong championship contender. Earnhardt Jr. pointed to Gibbs’ past behavior, suggesting that he has not always been cooperative or respectful as a teammate, which has aggravated tensions within the team.
“He’s not been a great teammate at times. He’s had some moments with, obviously, one of the more popularized ones would be Brandon Jones at Martinsville. But, you know, I remember him having some run ins with some other folks that were in the Gibbs’ Xfinity cars. I have a hard time kind of trying to figure out Ty Gibbs.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
Earnhardt Jr. recalled notable incidents involving Gibbs, including clashes with Brandon Jones at Martinsville and other teammates in the Xfinity Series program, which further complicated his relationship with others on the team. His comments underline the challenges Gibbs has faced in establishing himself as a consistent and reliable team player.
The Impact of Team Dynamics and Family Legacy
Ty Gibbs, the grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, has faced additional scrutiny because his family connection is often seen as providing him some leeway despite questionable on-track behavior. Joe Gibbs has publicly declared that this patience has run thin and that results must now speak for themselves. The pressure is mounting on Gibbs to demonstrate growth, both in performance and in collaboration with his teammates, particularly with Hamlin.
The friction between Hamlin and Gibbs underlines broader team management challenges, as internal rivalries can threaten collective success during crucial playoff stages. The New Hampshire incident serves as a focal point for evaluating how internal conflicts can disrupt race strategy and harmony within a top-tier NASCAR team.
What This Means Moving Forward in the NASCAR Season
As the Cup Series advances, the Denny Hamlin Ty Gibbs Incident raises questions about how teammates will navigate competitive tension. Hamlin remains focused on securing a championship, but incidents like this could affect team morale and performance in critical moments. Meanwhile, Gibbs will be under increasing pressure to prove he can be a constructive team member rather than a source of conflict.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s commentary highlights the emotional strain and frustration felt by veterans witnessing young drivers struggle with the balance between aggression and sportsmanship. This moment at New Hampshire may serve as a turning point, prompting both Hamlin and Gibbs to reassess their approach on and off the track as the season reaches its decisive rounds.
