At the recent New Hampshire race, Denny Hamlin made headlines for intentionally wrecking his teammate Ty Gibbs during an intense on-track incident, generating widespread controversy. Following a crucial meeting with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), Hamlin, who has had a strong 2025 season, expressed regret over the collision, revealing a shift in his viewpoint about the event.
Details of the New Hampshire Race Incident Between Hamlin and Gibbs
Denny Hamlin has been one of the standout drivers this season, holding a solid position in the championship standings, partly due to his consistent finishes and strong race performances. Despite this, his race at New Hampshire took a turbulent turn. During the USA Today 301 event, tensions boiled over when Ty Gibbs, not a playoff contender, aggressively raced Hamlin. This led Hamlin to lose patience and deliberately collide with Gibbs, resulting in Gibbs crashing into the wall and ending his race prematurely with a DNF.
The move sparked significant backlash from fans, commentators, and within the JGR team itself, highlighting internal conflicts among teammates. Hamlin’s finish at New Hampshire was far below expectations with a 12th-place result, a setback for a driver who had earlier secured a fifth-place ranking in the championship standings. This incident raised questions about the dynamics between Hamlin and Gibbs, and the competitive environment at JGR as the playoffs approach.
Hamlin’s Reflections Following the JGR Internal Meeting
In the days after the New Hampshire race, Joe Gibbs Racing arranged a meeting involving all team members to address the conflict and foster reconciliation. Hamlin has since spoken openly about the outcome of this gathering, noting that it was productive and helped clear the air among the drivers. He admitted that he “got hot under the collar” and that his reaction went too far, expressing a desire to have handled things differently.
I think they’re in a good place. You know, we had some meetings this week, I mean, certainly, Absolutely. I definitely got hot under the collar, and it went too far on my end, and certainly there was things that I wish I could have done a little differently.
Denny Hamlin told to media in Kansas.
Hamlin refrained from divulging specific details of the meeting, emphasizing the confidential nature of the discussions. However, he confirmed that all drivers involved had the chance to express their perspectives, and that the team collectively worked toward a resolution. This internal dialogue appears to have been a step toward repairing strained relationships and preventing further conflicts within the team.
I thought they were all productive meetings, but obviously, the guts of that obviously, going to need to be confidential. Yeah, all the drivers had an opportunity to speak and try to come up with a plan, and I think we did our best to come up with one, That’s it, that’s all I have.
Denny Hamlin noted.
Implications for JGR and the Season Moving Forward
This episode highlights the intense pressure within top-level racing teams where competition among teammates can sometimes spill over, affecting overall team harmony. Despite the clash between Hamlin and Gibbs, Hamlin’s performance throughout the season has solidified his standing in the playoffs, keeping him as one of the key contenders in the championship. For Joe Gibbs Racing, maintaining cooperation between drivers like Hamlin and Gibbs will be critical in maximizing their success as the season enters its decisive phases.
Hamlin’s acknowledgment of regret and the productive outcomes of the JGR meeting suggest a possible shift toward healthier communication and teamwork. The hope within the organization is that this incident will serve as a learning experience, encouraging drivers to manage on-track frustrations more constructively and avoid costly collisions among teammates.
Hamlin’s Candid Admission and Future Outlook
Following the meeting, Hamlin openly described his crash with Gibbs as a mistake, marking a rare moment of vulnerability from the veteran driver. His willingness to own his error publicly underpins the seriousness with which JGR is treating intra-team conflicts. Fans and the racing community alike will be watching closely to see if this change in attitude translates to calmer and more strategic driving in upcoming races.
Denny Hamlin’s Shocking Admission: “I Made a Mistake” After Explosive Clash with Teammate Ty Gibbs!
M Sports (@MSports_all) tweeted September 22, 2025.
As the playoffs progress, Denny Hamlin’s ability to balance his competitive edge with greater restraint will likely impact his performance and the team’s overall success. Meanwhile, Ty Gibbs, also a promising driver within JGR, will be eager to move past the incident and contribute positively to his team’s championship aspirations.
Denny Hamlin’s Shocking Admission: “I Made a Mistake” After Explosive Clash with Teammate Ty Gibbs!
Denny Hamlin’s Explosive Admission: A Race to Regret After Collision with Ty Gibbs! In a dramatic display of racing tension, Denny Hamlin, the veteran sthttps://t.co/ROK9yMRzcb pic.twitter.com/KTk4IBs1R4
— M Sports (@MSports_all) September 22, 2025
