During the Mobil 1 301 race on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin admitted to making a “mistake” after an on-track incident involving his teammate Ty Gibbs. This admission came during a post-race interview, highlighting the tense dynamic that unfolded between the two drivers while competing fiercely on the 1.058-mile oval.
Hamlin, driving the #11 Toyota Camry XSE, started the race in ninth position with a best lap time of 29.41 seconds and a top speed of 129.51 mph. Ty Gibbs qualified slightly behind in 13th after clocking a lap of 29.48 seconds at 129.21 mph. Both drivers were in the thick of the competition, trying to advance through the playoff standings while representing Joe Gibbs Racing.
On-Track Incident Between Hamlin and Gibbs at New Hampshire
The confrontation occurred around lap 110, as Hamlin and Gibbs fought for 11th place. Exiting turn four, Hamlin made contact with Gibbs, causing the younger driver to spin out. Reflecting on the event, Hamlin acknowledged his error and explained the challenging nature of racing against a teammate in such a competitive setting. He said,
“We made contact in one. It was like the fourth or fifth time we made contact, but it eventually ended up getting spun. I made a mistake in turn one, so, yeah, I would have made a mistake with anybody in that position. I was trying to get, get by him. That was a task in itself… Yeah, I’ll let leadership, kind of, you know, quarterback it however they’d like to, but obviously us, the 20, 19 are all trying to win a championship for their family, so crazy unfortunate while we’re racing the way we are.”
— Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing driver
During the race, Hamlin’s frustration became apparent over team radio. According to Jeff Gluck’s reporting on X, Hamlin expressed discontent with Gibbs’ approach by stating,
Denny Hamlin frustrated with Ty Gibbs: “Does Ty know we’re going for a championship? What the f*ck?”
— Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing driver
Hamlin ultimately finished in 12th place at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, resulting in a fall from first to fifth in the playoff standings. Meanwhile, Gibbs was scored with a DNF and now sits 19th in the Cup Series points with 633 points after the incident and subsequent race outcome.
Chris Gabehart Encourages Hamlin and JGR Teammates Ahead of Next Playoff Round
Following a dominant Round of 16 performance, Joe Gibbs Racing’s former crew chief Chris Gabehart issued an uplifting message for Hamlin and the other playoff drivers on the team. Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, and Chase Briscoe all qualified for the next playoff phase after strong showings in earlier races.
JGR’s winning momentum kicked off when Christopher Bell secured a victory at the Cook Out Southern 500 in Darlington. Hamlin followed with his fifth win of the season at the Enjoy Illinois 300 in Gateway, while Chase Briscoe finished first at Bristol Motor Speedway, round out a trio of significant wins.
Gabehart’s remarks underscored the confidence in the team’s ability to claim the championship, stating,
“I do think the champion is coming from this room. I have no idea what door number it’s going to be. I genuinely don’t. I think it could be any one of these three door numbers. Be ready for your moment. You could be the difference in that. Never does it say we can’t win every race. We’ve won the first three playoff races. There are seven to go; let’s win them all.”
— Chris Gabehart, Joe Gibbs Racing former crew chief
The next challenge awaits at Kansas Speedway, where the Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet is scheduled for Sunday, September 28, 2025. The 267-lap event will be broadcast live on USA Network, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, and HBO Max starting at 3 p.m. ET, offering an opportunity for Hamlin and his teammates to continue their playoff push.
The Impact of Intra-Team Rivalry on Championship Aspirations
The collision between Hamlin and Gibbs at New Hampshire highlights the tension that can arise when teammates compete aggressively while pursuing individual and collective success. Hamlin’s admission of fault reflects the high pressure in the Cup Series playoffs, where every position is fiercely contested, and mistakes carry significant consequences.
This incident not only affected the immediate standings, with Hamlin dropping several spots and Gibbs sidelined with a DNF, but it also brought team dynamics into focus as Joe Gibbs Racing attempts to navigate the balance between supporting playoff contenders and managing up-and-coming talent.
As the season progresses into the Round of 12, the pressure mounts for drivers like Hamlin to maintain consistency and control on the track. Their performances in upcoming races, including Kansas, will shape not only individual championship hopes but also the overall trajectory of Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Some of what Denny Hamlin told reporters postrace. He said he (Hamlin) made a mistake going into Turn 1. Wondered why they were racing like that when he and Bell and Briscoe are trying to win a title for JGR. pic.twitter.com/M6Q0T8dY3Z
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 21, 2025
