Denny Hamlin captured one of the most poignant moments in NASCAR with his emotional NASCAR victory at the 2019 Daytona 500, paying tribute to Joe Gibbs’ late son, J.D. Gibbs, at a time when the Gibbs family was enduring profound loss. This win at Daytona for Joe Gibbs Racing transcended the checkered flag, intertwining moments of immense grief and celebration in the world of motorsports.
The Enduring Losses in NASCAR Families
The history of NASCAR is shaped not only by triumphs but by personal tragedies that deepen the meaning of every victory. Rick Hendrick, another icon in the sport, experienced the devastation of losing his son, Ricky Hendrick, in a plane crash on October 24, 2004. Joe Gibbs faced his own heartbreak when his eldest son, J.D. Gibbs, died in January 2019 after a lengthy struggle with a degenerative neurological condition. Further heartbreak struck the Gibbs family when Coy Gibbs, father of rising driver Ty Gibbs, suddenly died on November 6, 2022, just after witnessing his son win the NASCAR Xfinity Series title. These events left lasting scars, impacting these families far beyond the raceway.
Hamlin’s Daytona 500 Win: More Than a Race
Amid the weight of loss, Denny Hamlin chose to honor J.D. Gibbs in a deeply personal way. At the Daytona 500 in February 2019, Hamlin displayed J.D. Gibbs’ name on his racecar, transforming the competition into a heartfelt tribute. The victory that day was electrifying—after crossing the finish line, the outpouring of emotion was visible as crew members celebrated and water sprayed in the air. Someone shouted, “We did it for J.D.!” embodying the collective spirit of Joe Gibbs Racing in that pivotal moment.
The Lasting Symbol of the Victory
Years after the historic win, in October 2025, Kyle Petty visited the Joe Gibbs Racing headquarters in Huntersville, North Carolina. Joe Gibbs showed him the victorious car, preserved as a symbol of that unforgettable day. Reflecting on its significance, Gibbs shared:
“This car is part of the most important victory that I’ve ever had in sports because it was all about JD at that point and everything that happened… JD actually found Denny. Racing late models in Manassas.”
– Joe Gibbs, Team Owner
The story held even greater meaning due to the unique coincidences connecting J.D. Gibbs and Denny Hamlin. Both shared the same racing number—J.D. had worn No. 11 as a quarterback at William & Mary before joining his family’s racing legacy, which later became Denny Hamlin’s number at Joe Gibbs Racing. These subtle links made the events of that 2019 race seem even more extraordinary to those involved.
Personal Reflections and Emotions of the Family
Standing beside the displayed car, Joe Gibbs admitted that the feelings stirred by the memory remain difficult to fully express. The victory was shaped by years of uncertainty, as the family coped with J.D.’s illness and the questions that accompanied it. Gibbs later came to view the Daytona triumph as a moment of clarity, where pain was replaced, even if briefly, by a sense of peace.
On the day of the race, the emotional toll on the Gibbs family was visible. J.D. Gibbs’ widow, Melissa, was seen near the pit box, hands covering her face while tears ran down as her sons celebrated nearby. Joe Gibbs captured the sentiment, stating, “J.D. is on that car.”
A Victory Beyond Racing
For Denny Hamlin, the 2019 Daytona 500 broke a 47-race winless streak, but for Joe Gibbs and his family, the event signified something far more profound. That singular victory stands as a tribute to J.D. Gibbs’ lasting influence and the perseverance of a team driven by shared memories, heartache, and hope within the NASCAR community. The legacy of this emotional NASCAR victory endures, reminding the sport of the personal stories and connections that shape every lap on the racetrack.
