During the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at New Hampshire on Sunday, Denny Hamlin clarified that he did not deliberately spin out Ty Gibbs in their on-track collision. Speaking on the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin detailed the circumstances surrounding their contact as they competed for position in the second stage of the event.
Hamlin explained,
“I was pretty much there into Turn 1, and then he moved down to the middle lane to cut the nose off,”
Denny Hamlin said.
“If you cut across someone’s nose, especially if they’re running really close to you, it will make their car kind of lift up and take off. I think he was just trying to cut across my nose to make me lose air, just to aero block me. I was so close to him, I’m like, ‘Hell no. You’re not going to do that.’ I tried to shove him up to the next lane to get my position. Unfortunately, it spun him out.”
Details of the On-Track Battle and Radio Exchanges
The incident occurred while Hamlin and Gibbs were contesting 11th place on Lap 110 at New Hampshire, the opening race of the Round of 12 in the playoffs. Maintaining a strong finish was critical for Hamlin to preserve his spot above the playoff cut line. The collision sparked tense radio communications between both drivers and their teams.
Hamlin aired his frustration to his crew, saying,
“Does Ty know we’re going for a championship? What the [expletive]?”
He later added,
“Are they afraid to talk to him? That’s what I feel like — they’re scared of him.”
Hamlin and Gibbs’ Standings and Team Connections
Denny Hamlin remains one of the 12 drivers still competing in the playoffs. After finishing 12th at New Hampshire, he currently holds fifth place in the playoff standings. Over his career, Hamlin has secured 59 Cup Series victories yet continues to pursue his first championship title.
Ty Gibbs, in his third full-time Cup Series season, is chasing his inaugural race win. Both drivers race under Joe Gibbs Racing, a team owned by Gibbs’ grandfather, the renowned NFL coach Joe Gibbs.
Implications and Outlook for the Championship Battle
The incident between Hamlin and Gibbs highlights the intense competition as the playoffs advance, where every position and moment on the track can significantly affect championship hopes. Hamlin’s denial of intent adds complexity to the ongoing rivalries among playoff contenders, particularly within a team environment. As the postseason unfolds, how this incident influences their dynamics and race strategies could shape their paths forward in the championship pursuit.
