Denny Hamlin celebrated a notable victory at the Martinsville Speedway, driving the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to a thrilling win. This accomplishment marked his 55th career Cup win and the first significant triumph since parting ways with his long-time crew chief, Chris Gabehart. The victorious moment for Hamlin unfolded amidst a much-anticipated shakeup in the Huntersville, North Carolina-based organization.
After six successful years together, Gabehart transitioned from the crew chief role to become the Director of Competition for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). The duo amassed three Daytona 500 victories and 22 Cup race wins, although the coveted championship title remained elusive for Hamlin. Despite this, Hamlin continues to forge ahead, and Gabehart openly expressed his appreciation for Hamlin’s progress while speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Gabehart shared his perspective on watching Hamlin secure the win at Martinsville, emphasizing the healthiness of their mutual decision to part ways, allowing new ideas to emerge. The victory, Hamlin’s sixth at Martinsville, signified the end of a decade-long drought. His latest achievement alongside crew chief Chris Gayle demonstrated the effectiveness of their new partnership.
Denny Hamlin has been a prominent figure in the NASCAR Cup Series for nearly two decades, having started his career with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2005. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the most successful active drivers, yet the championship title remains a goal.
The Martinsville win stands out as a highlight for Hamlin, marking his seventh NASCAR Cup race of the 2025 season. His performance includes three top-five finishes and a top-ten finish in the last seven races. With this win, Hamlin has secured a spot in the 2025 playoffs, being the second JGR driver to do so. Presently, he ranks sixth in the overall Cup Series standings with 218 points.
Looking ahead, NASCAR enthusiasts can anticipate the action-packed return to Darlington Raceway on Sunday, April 6 for the Goodyear 400 event.
