Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin recently addressed comments made by fellow competitor Joey Logano about the performance of Toyota cars during a post-race interview on Cup Scene’s YouTube channel. Hamlin acknowledged Logano’s assertion that Toyota vehicles currently have superior speed and grip, expressing a cautiously optimistic view about their competitiveness this NASCAR season.
Reflecting on previous years, Hamlin recalled NASCAR’s unpredictability and highlighted a past moment when Corey Gibbs advised his mother not to expect much because Hendrick Motorsports’ cars outperformed Toyotas. In contrast, Logano, racing for Team Penske, stated that Toyota cars now demonstrate faster speed, stronger grip, and more horsepower. Logano also expressed a desire for Toyota vehicles to make errors so that his team could gain an advantage. Hamlin responded:
“Yeah, I do feel like our cars are good right now. Um, you know, this is a track that you can draw some, you know, the tire’s a lot different, but you can draw some, um, you know, connections to like a Phoenix because it’s, you know, it’s the distance, and the banking, but you just never know.” [12:16 onwards]
“I mean, I don’t know. It’s the Penske cars have come out of nowhere the last few races, you know, the last few years when you didn’t think they had the speed. They just showed up one week, and poof, they had it. Um, so you just never know in the sport. It ebbs and it flows, but I can sympathize because I’ve been there,” he added.
Hamlin’s remarks came shortly after he secured his 59th career victory and the 200th for Toyota in the Cup Series at the Enjoy Illinois 300, held September 7, 2025, at World Wide Technology Raceway. All four Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota cars finished within the top ten that day, underlining the team’s solid performance throughout the season.
Joe Gibbs Reflects on Hamlin’s Prospects for a First Cup Series Championship
Joe Gibbs Racing owner Joe Gibbs also spoke about Hamlin’s prospects during a post-race interview with Cup Scene. Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass asked whether Hamlin, despite his impressive career, might finally clinch his first-ever Cup Series championship this year.
In 2025, Hamlin has been exceptionally dominant, capturing five wins at Martinsville Speedway, Darlington Raceway, Michigan International Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, and most recently at the World Wide Technology Raceway. He has also earned 15 top-ten finishes, 12 top-five results, and three pole positions across 27 race starts.
When questioned if this could indeed be Hamlin’s year, Gibbs replied thoughtfully:
“Can this really be Denny Hamlin’s year?” [02:30 onwards]
“Yeah, I think, uh, great question there. Uh, we certainly hope so. That’s probably the best guy to ask, but I’ll be in the background cheering. But, uh, no, really, Denny, I tell you what’s impressive about Denny is his work ethic. Really, he’ll be in the sim as long as Chris wants him in there. Uh, really works hard at everything. And, uh, so I would certainly hope he’s got a chance for sure.”
Joe Gibbs emphasized Hamlin’s relentless dedication and preparation, which he believes equip the veteran driver well to contend for the championship. The team, featuring four full-time Toyotas, fields Hamlin in the #11 Camry XSE, with teammates Christopher Bell in the #20, Chase Briscoe in the #19 Bass Pro Shops Camry, and Ty Gibbs in the #54.
Implications of Toyota‘s Rising Competitiveness in NASCAR
Joey Logano’s remarks about Toyota’s superior performance reflect a significant shift in NASCAR dynamics, especially considering how fluctuating car performance often shapes race outcomes. The improved speed, grip, and horsepower of Toyota cars—as recognized by a driver outside the Toyota camp—underscore the brand’s technological advancements this season.
Denny Hamlin’s cautious yet optimistic responses reinforce the unpredictable nature of the sport, where sudden surges in competitiveness can emerge unexpectedly. The strong finish by Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas at the Enjoy Illinois 300 and Hamlin’s consistent top-tier performances suggest that Toyota is positioned as a formidable contender in the 2025 Cup Series.
Looking ahead, Hamlin’s continued success and robust work ethic, combined with Toyota’s demonstrated advancements, could challenge the established dominance of Hendrick Motorsports and Team Penske. The intense competition among these teams is likely to define the closing stages of the Cup Series, making the championship battle an exciting spectacle to watch.
