During the NASCAR race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, a heated incident unfolded between Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs. The confrontation occurred as Hamlin, a seasoned veteran fighting for a championship, grew increasingly frustrated with Gibbs, who was impeding his progress while racing for position at Loudon. This unfolding Ty Gibbs teammate conflict ultimately culminated in a dramatic spin and crash on the track.
In the final laps leading up to the collision, Hamlin expressed his anger over team radio, urgently requesting his crew to communicate with Gibbs and find a way to avoid conflict. Despite Hamlin’s warnings, the tension escalated, resulting in Hamlin delivering a hard bump that sent Gibbs spinning. The crash ended Gibbs’ day at the race, leaving JGR dynamics uncertain ahead of the team meeting scheduled to address the incident.
Hamlin’s Frustration Builds Before the Spin
Hamlin’s impatience had been mounting throughout the race, evident in his radio communications where he harshly criticized his teammate’s behavior. He questioned whether Gibbs even recognized the stakes, as Hamlin was vying for a championship while Gibbs was not. The veteran driver’s frustration intensified as Gibbs continued to hold him up, prompting Hamlin to force his way through.
“Does Ty know we’re going for a championship? What the f**k?”
Hamlin exclaimed over the radio just before the incident. Following this, Hamlin’s aggressive move on Gibbs caused Gibbs to lose control, spin, and back into the wall, effectively ending his race at New Hampshire.
“The Nos. 11 and 54 get together! @TyGibbs spins and backs it into the wall. pic.twitter.com/Qp9oVyufFF” — NASCAR
This crash has ignited intense discussions within the team and among fans regarding the responsibilities of teammates on the track, especially during playoff contention where every position is critical.
Impact on Team Dynamics and the Championship Race
Denny Hamlin’s frustration is understandable given his playoff struggles over the years and the importance of each race at this stage. This clash not only jeopardized Gibbs’ race day but also threatened to disrupt internal team harmony during a critical stretch. Hamlin had been making steady progress through the field late in Stage 2, positioning himself inside the top 10, while race leader Joey Logano maintained control up front.
With Christopher Bell also finding himself delayed behind Gibbs, the pressure on Ty Gibbs was mounting from multiple directions. The team is expected to hold a meeting to address these intra-team conflicts and clarify the boundaries of racing against teammates, especially considering the championship implications for Hamlin.
Future Implications for Joe Gibbs Racing
The aftermath of this incident presents a significant challenge for Joe Gibbs Racing as emotions run high and focus remains on the tightly contested NASCAR Playoffs. Hamlin’s decision to assert himself reflects the desperation and urgency felt by drivers fighting for the title, yet it also raises questions about how teammates manage competition alongside cooperation.
As Ty Gibbs recovers from the crash and attempts to regroup, the team will need to balance driver relationships to maintain a competitive edge moving forward. The resolution of this Ty Gibbs teammate conflict will likely be of great importance in upcoming races, where every point and position could determine the outcome of the championship battle.
The Nos. 11 and 54 get together! @TyGibbs spins and backs it into the wall. pic.twitter.com/Qp9oVyufFF
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 21, 2025
