The NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire on Sunday was marked by intense moments, including a notable conflict between Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs. This Denny Hamlin Ty Gibbs clash drew significant attention as it resulted in costly consequences for Ty Gibbs, who has been seeking his first top-tier victory for over three years.
During the Mobil 1 301 race, Denny Hamlin, driving the No. 11 Toyota Camry, collided with Ty Gibbs’s No. 54 car after Gibbs did not provide enough space on the track for both Hamlin and Christopher Bell, who were competing for the championship. Following the incident, team owner Joe Gibbs addressed the situation, emphasizing that the responsibility to resolve conflicts resides with the drivers themselves.
It’s always the drivers that have to handle that. They’re the ones that have got the wheel, and that’s always the case. So that’s what we’ll do. Those guys all are the ones driving the cars, and so those guys will get together on their own and figure it out.
Joe Gibbs said via Fox Sports.
Hamlin also shared his perspective on the rivalry, expressing hope that team management would intervene to establish a clearer protocol for dealing with on-track disputes between teammates. He acknowledged that while the exact solution is unclear, he trusts Joe Gibbs and the leadership to devise a resolution soon.
The 54 got back clear of me and the 20, and we ran him right back down, and then just couldn’t get any space to race once we were trying to pass. I don’t know what the whole formula is, but I’m sure Joe and those guys will figure it out.
Denny Hamlin highlighted.
In response to the ongoing tension, former crew chief Steve Letarte weighed in, stating that the ultimate decision should come from Joe Gibbs himself. According to Letarte, as the team owner whose name represents the organization, Gibbs’s perspective is the only one that truly matters in settling the conflict between Hamlin and Ty Gibbs.
I think it really comes down to the owner. I think coach has to decide. I think it’s as simple as that. We can talk about Denny Hamlin, we can talk about Ty Gibbs, Jeff and I can give our opinions. Our opinions don’t matter. The opinion that matters is the man who has his name on the building, it’s as simple as that.
Steve Letarte asserted.
Joe Gibbs Racing Competition Director Addresses Internal Tensions
Following the race, Chris Gabehart, Joe Gibbs Racing’s competition director and former crew chief for Hamlin, spoke to the media, emphasizing the necessity for clear communication within the team on how drivers should compete during the playoffs. Gabehart pointed out that a code of conduct or etiquette needs to be respected by everyone on the team during these high-stakes moments, although he recognized that completely limiting on-track competition among teammates could hinder success.
I think there’s a reasonable etiquette to follow to where everybody can get what they need out of it. But, you know, at the same time, you can’t create an atmosphere where everybody just has to roll over and play nice all the time either, or you won’t hang as many banners as Joe Gibbs Racing has hung over the years.
Chris Gabehart said.
Gabehart’s comments underline the delicate balance the team must strike between fostering strong intra-team competition and maintaining harmony to maximize their chances of winning a championship.
Implications for Joe Gibbs Racing’s Championship Aspirations
The dispute between Hamlin and Ty Gibbs comes at a critical time as Joe Gibbs Racing aims to secure its first NASCAR Cup Series title since 2019. The ongoing friction within the team threatens to be a distraction that could compromise their goals. For Ty Gibbs, the conflict has additional weight, as he continues to chase his inaugural Cup race victory after a lengthy drought.
With significant stakes on the line, it is expected that Joe Gibbs, both owner and grandfather to Ty Gibbs, will take active steps to resolve the disagreement promptly. Ensuring that the drivers can focus on their performance without internal distractions will be essential for the team’s success in the playoffs and beyond.
