The NASCAR Playoffs at New Hampshire last weekend stirred intense emotions as a collision between teammates Ty Gibbs and Denny Hamlin ignited public outrage. During the race, Hamlin’s aggressive move resulted in contact that sent Gibbs’ No. 54 car spinning into the wall, prompting Gibbs to respond sharply on social media about the incident involving the Ty Gibbs Denny Hamlin crash.
Details of the On-Track Incident Between Hamlin and Gibbs
Throughout the New Hampshire race, Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs were fiercely competing for position. Hamlin attempted an outside pass on Gibbs’ car, but the move backfired when Hamlin’s No. 11 vehicle clipped the rear of the No. 54, causing Gibbs to spin sideways into the barrier. While Gibbs suffered significant damage, Hamlin was able to continue his run. This crash would quickly become a major talking point among drivers, teams, and fans alike.
Kevin Harvick Casts Doubt on Hamlin’s Intentions in the Crash
NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick did not hold back criticism following the collision. Harvick expressed his belief that Hamlin’s contact was deliberate, noting the risk it posed not only to Gibbs but also to Christopher Bell, who was trailing very closely. According to Harvick, this reckless decision could have seriously jeopardized Joe Gibbs Racing’s playoff hopes during a critical phase of the season.
That was intentional. There’s no hiding that that wasn’t intentional… You could have wiped out all three of them. That decision now is a decision that you have to talk about next week. It’s a decision that will divide the shop… As mature as Denny Hamlin has become and as much of a leader as he has become, I’m really surprised that he chose that action in that moment during the playoffs.
Kevin Harvick explained.
Hamlin currently holds fifth place in the playoff standings and is the second Toyota driver behind fourth-placed Christopher Bell, making this incident especially concerning for the team’s championship ambitions. Harvick remarked on his shock to witness such an uncharacteristic and chaotic move from the experienced Cup Series champion at this pivotal stage.
Ty Gibbs’s Public Reaction to Criticism and the Fallout Within the Team
In response to Harvick’s comments on the Happy Hour podcast, Ty Gibbs shared a clip with subtitles on his Instagram story, accompanied by a finger emoji, signaling his agreement with the critique. This public exchange underscored the rising tension not only between the drivers but also within Joe Gibbs Racing’s garage.
Is that the moment that derails Denny Hamlin’s 2025 championship?
Kevin Harvick said on Happy Hour podcast (shared by Ty Gibbs on Instagram).
While Joe Gibbs, team owner and Ty Gibbs’s grandfather, is unlikely to show favoritism, the crash undeniably complicates internal dynamics. As a seasoned team leader focused on results, Joe Gibbs is expected to hold a firm discussion with both drivers to address the costly incident.
Implications for Joe Gibbs Racing and the Playoff Race Ahead
Denny Hamlin’s extensive experience should have guided him to avoid such a risky move against a teammate in the heat of the playoffs. Instead, his aggressive decision escalated tensions and potential damage among key drivers on the same team. This clash raises questions about team unity and strategy as they strive to defend championship hopes.
The fallout from the Ty Gibbs Denny Hamlin crash highlights the fragile balance between competition and cooperation in NASCAR’s high-stakes playoff environment. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how this friction will affect the team’s approach and performance in upcoming races.
https://t.co/FufJNRYIHU pic.twitter.com/uCm65XZCQr
— Dalton Hopkins (@PitLaneCPT) September 23, 2025
