Denny Hamlin addressed the recent Ty Gibbs Loudon tangle, confirming that his Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) team held productive meetings after their on-track incident last Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The veteran NASCAR Cup driver revealed that the discussions have led to a collective plan to manage similar situations moving forward.
The tension arose when Gibbs, who remains the only JGR driver without a playoff berth this season, impeded championship contenders Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Hamlin during the race. This prompted heated exchanges over the No. 11 team’s radio communication. Hamlin’s collision with Gibbs on Lap 110 ultimately resulted in Gibbs spinning into the SAFER barrier, abruptly ending his race at Loudon and hampering Hamlin as well, who finished 35th.
Insights into Team Discussions Following the Loudon Incident
In the aftermath of the clash with Ty Gibbs, Hamlin requested that JGR leadership provide clearer guidelines on expected conduct between teammates on the track for the remainder of the season. Speaking on Saturday, September 27, Hamlin offered a glimpse into how the internal meetings went.
“I think they’re in a good place, we had productive meetings, the guts of that will have to be confidential,” Denny Hamlin said (via Peter Stratta).
“All the drivers did speak and have an opportunity to come up with a plan, I think we came up with one,” Hamlin added as per Peter Stratta.
Hamlin admitted that he “got hot under the collar” during the incident and expressed regret over how things unfolded. The 44-year-old driver’s crash on Lap 110 ended his day early, and his team now looks to the established plan to avoid repeat conflicts as the playoffs intensify.
No Major Concern as Crew Member Changes Loom for Hamlin’s Team
Beyond the on-track drama, Hamlin’s No. 11 team is preparing for a shakeup in the pit crew for the next two races. Jackman Joel Bouagnon and front tire changer Austin Maloney will miss those events due to suspensions following a wheel detachment incident during a previous race at Bristol Raceway. Joe Gibbs Racing strategically postponed enforcing the penalties for one week, so suspensions will cover the upcoming races at Kansas Speedway and the Charlotte Roval.
Despite these changes, Hamlin remains composed about the challenge. TSJ Sports journalist Peter Stratta noted Hamlin’s measured outlook on adjusting to new crewmembers during this crucial phase.
“[Denny Hamlin] calls his anxiety level ok with two new pit crew members, but he’s only worrying about what he can control.”
Currently fifth in the standings, Hamlin holds a 27-point buffer above the playoff cutline heading into the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. His recent performances there include a spring win this year and three top-10 finishes in four starts at the 1.5-mile intermediate track.
Performance Challenges and Season Context for Hamlin
Hamlin’s 2023 season has featured electric moments and intense setbacks. During this year’s AdventHealth 400, Hamlin qualified 14th but suffered early clutch problems that forced his retirement after completing only 196 laps. The team’s ongoing focus on consistency and composure aims to balance competitive aggression with calculated execution as they pursue another championship run.
Hamlin’s interactions with teammates like Ty Gibbs, along with evolving strategies discussed in JGR meetings, reflect the pressure cooker environment of NASCAR playoffs. With stakes rising, maintaining unity while managing on-track frustrations remains critical for Joe Gibbs Racing’s championship hopes.
The resolution from these internal talks will be pivotal as the team navigates the final rounds. How JGR balances competition and cooperation among its drivers, including Gibbs, Bell, Briscoe, and Hamlin, could shape the ultimate success of their season campaign.
"All the drivers did speak and have an opportunity to come up with a plan, I think we came up with one"#NASCAR
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) September 27, 2025
