LOUDON, N.H. — The Joe Gibbs Racing team dominated the first three races of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, with each of its drivers securing wins. However, tensions flared during the Round of 12 opener at New Hampshire Motor Speedway when a collision involving Ty Gibbs and his teammate Denny Hamlin ignited discord within the team. The Ty Gibbs NASCAR incident occurred when contact between the two Toyota drivers sent Gibbs spinning into the Turn 1 wall, prematurely ending his race and creating friction amid championship pursuits.
Details of the On-Track Incident Between Teammates
At Lap 110, while competing for 11th place, Denny Hamlin, a four-time winner this season and championship contender, made contact with Ty Gibbs as they exited Turn 4. This led to Gibbs’ No. 54 Toyota Camry spinning into the inside wall near Turn 1. The crash forced Gibbs out of the race as his vehicle sustained damage too severe for continuation. Hamlin voiced his frustrations over the radio immediately afterward, questioning Gibbs’ racing decisions in the moments that led to the collision.
Does Ty know we’re going for a championship? What the [expletive],
Hamlin radioed to his team.
Are they afraid to talk to him? That’s what I feel like — they’re scared of him.
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
While Gibbs’ car was being towed to the garage, the team evaluated the damage but ultimately concluded that repairs could not be made in time for a return to the race. At 22 years old, Gibbs is the sole Joe Gibbs Racing driver not contending for the playoffs this season, ranking 19th in points among those not advancing to the postseason. From the infield care center, Gibbs refrained from commenting on the crash but looked ahead to the next race.
It’s unfortunate, but I’m excited to go race next week. I’m looking forward to it,
he said.
We’ll have a good race next week.
— Ty Gibbs, NASCAR driver
Hamlin’s Admission and Reflections on Team Competition
Following the race, Hamlin acknowledged his mistake in the incident during a media session at the track. He expressed his intention to leave further discussions and decisions about the situation to team leadership, recognizing the challenges of competing fiercely against teammates aiming for the championship.
Well, I made a mistake in Turn 1. I would have made a mistake with anybody in that position,
Hamlin admitted.
I’ll let leadership kind of quarterback it, however they’d like to. Obviously, us, [Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe], are all trying to win a championship for their family. So it’s crazy unfortunate why we’re racing the way we are.
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
Leadership’s Approach to Resolving Team Tensions
The responsibility for addressing this internal conflict falls to Joe Gibbs himself, who has not yet called for a formal team meeting. Known as “Coach” for his history in football, Gibbs stressed that it is the drivers’ responsibility to work through their issues independently.
Those guys are the ones driving the cars,
Joe Gibbs stated.
Those guys will get together on their own and figure it out. It’s hard for me, it’s not me, it’s the drivers. That’s how I’ve always looked at this.
— Joe Gibbs, Team Owner
Chris Gabehart, Hamlin’s former crew chief, is expected to help mediate the situation. Renowned for his capability to unite the team during difficult moments, Gabehart recognizes that both drivers have different perspectives on the incident and anticipates his role in facilitating communication before the team’s next race at Kansas Speedway.
Insights from Chris Gabehart on Team Dynamics
Gabehart described the incident as a result of close racing in limited space, highlighting the confusion and high pressure both drivers experienced during the exchange. He emphasized the challenge both Hamlin and Gibbs face in competing for success while sharing the same track space.
I think all of their viewpoints are going to be a little bit different,
Gabehart commented.
The 54 and the 20 were in a tight space, and Denny was behind that and, you know, probably saw that circumstance, and was confused by it. And then when they run the 54 back down, you know, probably was looking for more of a break than he got. That’s what I would guess. That’s what I saw.
— Chris Gabehart, Crew Chief
The hard part is, you know, the 54 is trying to win races and make a name for himself as well. And, you know, so everybody needs more space than they have.
— Chris Gabehart, Crew Chief
Looking ahead, Gabehart is optimistic that conversations will lead to a better understanding and cooperative environment allowing each driver to excel in their own right.
This is the type of conversation that you know when you run well, you’re fortunate enough to have to have every so often,
he said.
We’ll have to have that conversation again. But, you know, I think there’s a reasonable etiquette to follow, 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, Crew Chief
Potential Implications for Joe Gibbs Racing Moving Forward
The collision and ensuing tensions underscore the high stakes and pressures within Joe Gibbs Racing as multiple drivers chase championship glory simultaneously. Managing competition internally while maintaining team unity will be critical as the playoffs progress. The team’s leadership and crew chiefs are tasked with balancing aggressive racing with collaborative sportsmanship to ensure the best opportunities for success.
As the team prepares for the upcoming race at Kansas Speedway, the resolution of these interpersonal conflicts will be key to maintaining momentum and preventing further incidents. The Ty Gibbs NASCAR incident serves as a reminder of the fine line teammates walk when racing for individual and shared glory on the same track.
