Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is set to compete once again at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, aiming to add to their impressive legacy in the Daytona 500. The team’s journey at the “Great American Race” began in 1993, when Dale Jarrett brought home the first victory driving the No. 18 Interstate Batteries car. Since then, celebrated driver Denny Hamlin has secured three wins for JGR at Daytona, triumphing in 2016, 2019, and 2020, further cementing the organization’s strong connection to the event. As they prepare for the upcoming race, the team’s focus keyword, Joe Gibbs Racing Daytona, remains central to their strategy and aspirations.
Overall Performance and Record at Daytona International Speedway
Over the years, Joe Gibbs Racing has claimed a total of eight Cup Series victories at Daytona International Speedway, with a combined 187 starts at this legendary 2.5-mile superspeedway. The team has demonstrated consistent competitiveness, boasting 41 top-five finishes, 57 top-10 results, and five pole positions. Leading the pack for 2,166 laps in total, JGR’s drivers— including Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Dale Jarrett, Erik Jones, and Tony Stewart— have collectively contributed to the team’s strong presence and multiple victories at the World Center of Racing.
A Look Back: JGR’s 2025 Season Achievements
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season ended on a high note for Joe Gibbs Racing, with three of their drivers finishing inside the top five of the final standings. Denny Hamlin secured second place, Chase Briscoe excelled at third, and Christopher Bell rounded out the top five. That season, the team accumulated 13 points-paying victories, 47 top-fives, 69 top-10s, and led the field for a combined 2,494 laps. Additionally, the organization earned 13 pole awards, showcasing their qualifying speed and race-day performances. Beyond point-scoring events, Christopher Bell captured the prestigious NASCAR All-Star Race, while Ty Gibbs triumphed in the inaugural In-Season Tournament, underlining JGR’s depth of talent across all competitions.
Denny Hamlin’s Legacy and Current Pursuits
Now entering his 21st Daytona 500 start, Denny Hamlin remains a central figure for Joe Gibbs Racing at Daytona. In his prior 20 appearances, he has matched the elite achievement of three Daytona 500 wins (2016, 2019, 2020), eight top-five finishes, and has led an impressive 496 laps. Hamlin’s first victory was dramatic, overtaking Martin Truex Jr. on the final lap by the closest margin in Daytona 500 history, a mere 0.010 seconds. His 2019 victory was a dominant display as JGR claimed a rare 1-2-3 finish. His latest win came in 2020 in a thrilling final stretch against Ryan Blaney and Ryan Newman. However, last year’s race ended in disappointment following a last-lap incident that led to a 24th-place finish.
During the 2025 season, Hamlin’s competitive spirit was stronger than ever. Partnering with new crew chief Chris Gayle, he secured six victories across demanding tracks such as Martinsville, Darlington, Michigan, Dover, World Wide Technology Raceway, and Las Vegas. His win in Las Vegas marked the 60th of his career, entering him into an exclusive group of drivers, joining NASCAR Hall of Famers like Bobby Allison, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Jarrett, each with three Daytona 500 wins.
Hamlin has also shown remarkable success during Daytona Speedweeks, beyond the 500 itself. Among his six Speedweeks victories, he has won the Duel qualifying races three times (2008, 2014, 2017) and claimed three wins in The Clash exhibition race (2006, 2014, and 2016), further highlighting his adaptability and skill in diverse formats at the speedway.
Chris Gayle’s Role as Crew Chief
Chris Gayle enters his eighth full season as a Cup Series crew chief, with a notable 250 starts leading his teams. Under his guidance, crews have earned eight victories, 57 top-five results, 99 top-10 finishes, and nine pole awards, along with 2,167 laps led. His recent work with Denny Hamlin in 2025 stands out, having facilitated six wins and a strong points campaign that included 14 top-five and 18 top-10 finishes. Gayle’s experience extends beyond Cup competition to significant success in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, where his crews have collected 37 wins and amassed more than 5,900 laps led in less than 200 starts.
National Debt Relief Partners with Joe Gibbs Racing
National Debt Relief, recognized as the leading industry provider offering debt settlement solutions in the United States, will serve as the primary sponsor for Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota Camry XSE during the upcoming Daytona 500. Since its founding in 2009, the company has supported countless individuals in resolving debt, empowering them on a path toward financial independence. National Debt Relief’s presence on the car symbolizes their commitment to helping people take control of their finances while partnering with one of NASCAR’s premier teams.
Chase Briscoe’s Rising Career at Daytona and Beyond
Chase Briscoe, the driver of the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE, is another key contender under the JGR banner at Daytona. With 10 career starts at the superspeedway, Briscoe earned the pole position last year and crossed the finish line fourth in the Daytona 500. Across his Daytona appearances, he holds two top-fives, three top-10s, and has led 84 laps.
The 2025 season was Briscoe’s best yet, marked by career highs across almost every measure. He clinched three victories at challenging venues including Pocono Raceway, Darlington’s prestigious Southern 500, and the intense playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway. Additionally, Briscoe led all drivers with seven pole awards and accumulated 15 top-fives, 19 top-10s, and 884 laps led, finishing third in the final point standings.
James Small, entering his seventh year as crew chief for the No. 19 team and his second season working directly with Briscoe, plays a pivotal role in Briscoe’s success. Over 217 races as a crew chief, Small has directed his teams to 11 wins, 60 top-five finishes, 106 top-10s, and 13 poles.
“America’s Most Trusted Retailer for Outdoor Gear”
– Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops, a renowned North American outdoor and conservation enterprise led by Johnny Morris, remains a proud partner of JGR. Their ongoing support emphasizes the company’s leadership in environmental conservation and passion for connecting families with outdoor experiences.
Christopher Bell’s Consistency and Breakthroughs at Daytona
Christopher Bell carries strong credentials at Daytona International Speedway, with three third-place finishes over his last six starts. His 2025 Daytona performance included a close battle for the lead late in the race, cut short due to a forceful push into the outside wall. Bell’s earlier NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series runs at Daytona also produced solid results, with two top-five and four top-10 finishes in five starts.
Notably, Bell claimed his first Cup Series victory on Daytona’s 3.61-mile road course layout in February 2021. That landmark win, where he overtook Joey Logano late in the race, launched a career total that now stands at 13 victories. His 2025 campaign was prolific, as he began the year by winning three of the first four races at Atlanta, Circuit of the Americas, and Phoenix. Bell went on to win the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, secured an additional playoff win at Bristol, and closed the year with 13 top-five and 22 top-10 finishes.
Adam Stevens, now approaching his 12th season as a Cup Series crew chief, continues to guide Bell expertly. Stevens’ impressive record includes two championships, 41 wins, and 150 top-five finishes among his 384 starts, with nine consecutive top-five final standings during his career.
The No. 20 Toyota will sport DEWALT branding for the Daytona 500, featuring Borrell Electric Company on the car’s hood. Meanwhile, Interstate Batteries, marking its 35th year as a primary partner with Joe Gibbs Racing, will also sponsor select races throughout the season, including high-profile stops at Las Vegas, Charlotte, and the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Ty Gibbs: Emerging Talent at Daytona
Ty Gibbs, piloting the No. 54 Monster Energy Toyota Camry XSE, returns to Daytona aiming to improve on his three previous 500 starts. His best finish at the superspeedway’s premier race came last year, placing 16th. Gibbs has also recorded two top-10 finishes at Daytona’s 2.5-mile oval, highlighted by a fifth-place result in the fall 2023 race.
In 2021, Gibbs made a splash in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series by winning his debut race at the Daytona Road Course, dominating by leading 14 of 56 laps and rallying from fifth to first on an overtime restart. His promising 2025 season included five top-five finishes, 10 top-10s, and an impressive 304 laps led. Notably, he captured the inaugural In-Season Tournament, elevating his status as a rising star within Joe Gibbs Racing.
Tyler Allen steps into his second year as Gibbs’ crew chief, bringing continuity and leadership to the No. 54 team. Allen had a successful rookie season guiding Gibbs and also directed the JGR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series No. 20 team to eight wins and a close second-place owners’ championship finish in 2024.
Looking Ahead: JGR’s Prospects at Daytona in 2026
As Joe Gibbs Racing prepares to chase another victory at the Daytona 500, the depth and talent across their driver lineup, supported by experienced crew chiefs, position them favorably for success. Denny Hamlin seeks to join an elite group with four Daytona 500 wins, while Chase Briscoe, Christopher Bell, and Ty Gibbs each aim to make significant strides. The team’s consistent performance and sponsorship backing from prominent partners like National Debt Relief, Bass Pro Shops, DEWALT, and Interstate Batteries provide a solid foundation heading into Speedweeks.
With their historical accomplishments and promising roster, Joe Gibbs Racing’s focus remains on capturing glory at the Daytona Speedway, continuing their legacy as a powerhouse team in NASCAR’s most prestigious race.
