Kevin Harvick comments on Denny Hamlin and Chris Gayle partnership, sharing insights into their performance following Hamlin’s third win of the season at Michigan. As changes at Joe Gibbs Racing brought Chris Gayle on board as Hamlin’s crew chief, Harvick offered praise as well as a pointed reminder about the challenges ahead, referencing past struggles during the playoffs.
Strong Start Under New Crew Chief Chris Gayle
At Michigan, Denny Hamlin, with Chris Gayle as his crew chief, recorded his third victory of the current NASCAR season, demonstrating immediate results from Joe Gibbs Racing’s decision to replace long-serving crew chief Chris Gabehart. Kevin Harvick noted that this new partnership appears to be delivering positive outcomes, especially given the pressures of race-day strategy at tracks like Michigan, where fuel management and coordinated pit stops are essential components for success.
Harvick, who spoke about the situation on his Happy Hour podcast, paid close attention to Gayle’s comments following the Michigan race. He described the outcome as a confidence boost for the whole team and highlighted how the #11 car is gaining momentum through a mix of effective pit crew performance and tactical race planning.
“We’ve seen him win it with pit crew. Now we’ve seen him win it with strategy. So #11 car definitely starting to gather that momentum that they need. But we got to carry it all the way through. We have to get through the end of the summer with the same speed. We have to start the playoffs with the same speed, the same mentality. Remember last year playoffs started and it just completely unraveled,” Harvick said. —Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Driver
Harvick also acknowledged the efforts by Joe Gibbs Racing, explaining that introducing Chris Gayle as crew chief has revitalized operations within the #11 team and contributed to their current upswing. With confidence growing, the focus now shifts to maintaining consistency as the season progresses.
Hamlin’s Relationship with Fans and Competitive Spirit
Kevin Harvick provided additional perspective on Denny Hamlin’s relationship with fans, referencing a recent conversation about Hamlin’s Michigan post-race celebration. During the celebration, Hamlin used his now-famous taunt, “I beat your favorite driver,” interacting directly with NASCAR fans amid a mixed reaction of both boos and cheers. Harvick emphasized that Hamlin seems increasingly at ease with his public image, embracing both criticism and support from the stands.
“You’re having fun with it. He’s like, ‘Look I give them the first opportunity to show their reaction and then I figure if they can flip me off and boo at me then I can go right back at him.’ So he definitely seems to be getting more and more comfortable with the position that he’s that he’s in with the fans but I think they love to hate him,” Kevin Harvick described. —Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Driver
Harvick also discussed how Hamlin’s competitive persona extends further with his “Daddy” remark, partially inspired by his father’s disapproval. According to Harvick, Hamlin’s father expressed frustration about his son’s public statements and considered some comments disrespectful. Nevertheless, Hamlin continued to engage in outspoken celebrations, reinforcing his willingness to challenge expectations and stir fan emotions.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Success and Addressing Past Pitfalls
With strong results emerging from the pairing of Hamlin and Gayle, Joe Gibbs Racing’s decision to shake up the crew chief lineup appears validated for now. However, Kevin Harvick’s comments underline the importance of consistency and mental fortitude, particularly as the team enters the intense later months of the NASCAR season and the high-pressure environment of the playoffs. The experience from last season’s abrupt downturn serves as a stark reminder that momentum must be preserved to achieve long-term goals amidst evolving competition.
The trajectory for Hamlin, Gayle, and the entire #11 crew will depend on how they manage the approaches that have brought recent victories, while addressing the potential for repeating past stumbles. As the chase for the championship intensifies, the eyes of NASCAR fans remain fixed on whether the reconfigured team can sustain its upward trend through challenges yet to come.
