Thursday, October 2, 2025

Denny Hamlin & Ty Gibbs Feud: Over or Just Starting?

Sonia Mcmillan

On September 21, during the NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Joe Gibbs Racing faced a challenging day as they struggled with speed despite their record of three consecutive wins at the track. The situation worsened when teammates Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs collided aggressively, sparking questions about the status of the well-known Denny Hamlin Ty Gibbs feud.

Early in the second stage, Hamlin, Gibbs, and teammate Christopher Bell were fiercely contesting for 11th place. The competition became intense, with multiple contacts made among the trio. Gibbs, who is not a playoff contender this season, showed no hesitation in challenging his more experienced teammates. Eventually, Hamlin’s frustration peaked, leading him to spin Gibbs out in turn 1 on lap 111.

Hamlin completed the race in 12th place, but the incident forced Gibbs into the garage and ultimately a 35th-place finish. Both drivers avoided detailed comments to the media post-race. Joe Gibbs, the team owner and Gibbs’ grandfather, when asked about next steps, responded,

“Those guys are the ones driving the cars, and so those guys can get together on their own and figure it out.”

This leaves the responsibility on the drivers themselves to resolve their conflict as the 2025 season heads into its final six races.

Breaking Down the Mid-Race Clash at New Hampshire

The altercation at New Hampshire featured several complex dynamics: the contrast of experienced veteran versus rising young talent, teammates competing amidst a high-pressure playoff environment, and the difficulty of overtaking with the current car specifications. Hamlin, a driver with 59 career wins and a significant history in NASCAR, was matched against Gibbs, a determined rookie still seeking his first victory. Bell was also fighting hard for position and was nearly caught in the scrap.

Denny Hamlin
Image of: Denny Hamlin

The clash culminated when Hamlin spun Gibbs into the wall, resulting in damage that not only ended Gibbs’ race but jeopardized his progress this season. Given the intensity and the stakes for Hamlin, who remains in championship contention, the incident garnered significant attention and speculation about whether this was a flashpoint or the start of an ongoing dispute.

In a post-race interview with NBC, Gibbs did not directly address the potential for further tension but avoided dismissing the conflict altogether. His reaction suggested that emotions were still raw, even if he chose not to expand publicly.

The Potential for Resolution Between Hamlin and Gibbs

Despite the heated moment, many expect that cooler heads will eventually prevail. The feud has roots in a long-standing relationship, with Hamlin having stepped into a mentor-like role for Gibbs over recent years. As a participant in many discussions about the incident, Gibbs has previously expressed a close personal bond with Hamlin, stating,

“He’s been a great teammate to me, feel like we consider each other family. … I’ve known him my whole life … always enjoyed being around Denny.”

Their friendship adds a layer of complexity to the on-track drama, suggesting that personal offense may be eventually outweighed by mutual respect and understanding.

Hamlin himself, speaking on his podcast Actions Detrimental, emphasized the difficulty of racing teammates, especially during critical playoff moments. He remarked,

“These (races) are hard enough to win anyway, but if you’re going to have to race your teammates harder than anyone on the track, then this is going to be really tough for any one of us to win,”

and added,

“… And from my standpoint, I would think Ty would want one of us to win a championship, because it’s his name on the building.”

Hamlin’s comments underline the expectation within Joe Gibbs Racing for a unified front toward winning a championship rather than internal conflict.

While Gibbs could pursue retaliation, it seems unlikely given the consequences that would impact both drivers’ standings and the risk of suspension. Racing hard but fairly would be far more strategic for Gibbs as he navigates these final races with the team’s legacy at stake. The grudges may simmer, but professional discretion and the long-term goal of success are expected to guide both drivers’ actions moving forward.

Historical Context of NASCAR Teammate Rivalries

Team dynamics becoming strained is not unusual in NASCAR. Joe Gibbs Racing itself has witnessed numerous internal rivalries, from Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards to earlier run-ins involving Kyle Busch and Hamlin. Even Hamlin had moments with Tony Stewart early in his Cup career where he was questioned about his teamwork abilities. Such conflicts often reflect the pressures inherent in competitive racing rather than personal animosity.

This feud is unique, however, because it involves a familial connection; the Gibbs name is on the team, making the friction more personal. Ty Gibbs has long been a promising talent but has struggled to consistently match the success of JGR’s top cars this season. The No. 54 машина has yet to find the pace it needs to consistently challenge for wins, while Hamlin and other teammates remain title favorites.

Gibbs faces an uphill climb to prove himself within the Cup Series, despite his success in lower divisions. His hesitation to back down against Hamlin, who is twice his age and seeking his elusive championship, adds tension to their competitive relationship. Meanwhile, Bell and Chase Briscoe, known for quieter personalities, are pushing forward to establish themselves, raising the stakes within the team.

Signs of Continuing Discord from Ty Gibbs

As of September 23, the friction appeared to be far from resolved, evident in Gibbs’ social media activity. On Instagram, he responded with a pointing emoji to commentary from Kevin Harvick, which claimed Hamlin had intentionally spun him out. This was the first clear indication from Gibbs acknowledging an intentional move by Hamlin, signaling underlying tension.

In a tweet summarizing the situation, John Newby highlighted Gibbs’ agreement, writing,

“Based on Ty Gibbs’ Instagram, he agrees with Kevin Harvick saying that Denny Hamlin spun him intentionally.”

The public nature of this exchange suggests that Gibbs is still emotionally engaged with the incident.

Joe Gibbs’ earlier statement that the drivers would resolve the matter on their own might prove crucial for Gibbs’ growth as a driver and teammate. How this situation evolves could influence Gibbs’ maturity both on and off the track, shaping his future with the organization.

The Stakes and What Lies Ahead for Hamlin and Gibbs

The ongoing tension between Hamlin and Gibbs carries wide implications for Joe Gibbs Racing. With only a handful of races remaining in the 2025 season, both drivers carry significant pressure to perform, and disruptive conflicts risk damaging the team’s chances of winning the championship. Hamlin has much at stake as a veteran chasing a title, while Gibbs is under scrutiny to elevate his performance level and prove he belongs among NASCAR’s elite.

Without intervention, the feud could escalate and fracture the team’s cohesion, echoing previous painful battles seen in other teams such as Hendrick Motorsports. Industry observers suggest that only mature dialogue, likely involving Joe Gibbs and team leadership, will prevent this dispute from harming the organization’s reputation and success.

Speculation revolves around whether these issues will resurface at upcoming races like Martinsville Speedway or potentially carry over into next season. For now, both drivers remain focused on their individual goals, but fans and insiders alike will monitor their interactions closely, knowing this story is far from finished.

As commentator Vito Pugliese put it,

“It may not come this weekend, it may wait until Martinsville Speedway or maybe even next season, but this conflict is not going away quietly.”

This feud, rooted in deep personal and professional connections, continues to captivate NASCAR audiences with its dramatic potential and high stakes.

https://twitter.com/NASCARonNBC/status/1969855701595164808

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