Joe Gibbs Racing reached another high point in its storied NASCAR history with a record-setting performance at Bristol. After leading 343 laps, the organization became the first team to surpass 10,000 laps led in the NextGen era. This achievement highlights JGR’s 2025 dominance and positions the team as a championship favorite heading into the Round of 12. The milestone reflects not only speed but a season of consistent excellence across every driver in the organization’s playoff roster.
Key Highlights
Joe Gibbs Racing leads the NextGen era with 10,018 total laps led.
Hendrick Motorsports follows with 9,786 laps, Team Penske with 4,893.
JGR swept all three Round of 16 playoff races with Bell, Hamlin, and Briscoe.
Denny Hamlin tops the playoff standings entering the Round of 12.
Joe Gibbs credits team morale and focus for sustained success.
Joe Gibbs Racing Sets the Standard
By eclipsing 10,000 laps led in the NextGen era, Joe Gibbs Racing reaffirmed its place as the benchmark in modern NASCAR. Bristol was the capstone, where JGR drivers commanded 343 laps and secured a clean sweep of the opening playoff round. Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Briscoe each claimed victories at Richmond, Gateway, and Bristol, giving the team an unprecedented run of momentum. The performance highlights the depth of JGR’s roster and the speed of its Toyota Camry entries across a variety of tracks.
“We have fast cars right now. This really reflects the strong morale at our race shop. It’s significant for us across the board. It truly means a lot.” – Joe Gibbs
Team owner Joe Gibbs remains cautious despite the record.
“In our sport it’s week to week, and it’s going to start all over in six days. You can count on that.” – Joe Gibbs
His words emphasize a culture of consistency and focus. The team’s success is built on preparation, engineering excellence, and steady leadership, which allow drivers to capitalize when opportunities arise.
After leading 343 laps at Bristol, Joe Gibbs Racing became the first team to lead 10,000 laps in the NextGen era
1. Joe Gibbs Racing – 10,018 laps led
2. Hendrick Motorsports – 9,786
3. Team Penske – 4,893
4. Trackhouse Racing – 2,544
5. 23XI Racing – 2,339 pic.twitter.com/t33JpkEDpi— NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights) September 15, 2025
Hendrick Motorsports Stays Close
Hendrick Motorsports continues to shadow JGR in the lap-led category with 9,786 laps. The organization advanced three drivers—Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Chase Elliott—through the Round of 16. Larson and Byron sit 24 points above the cut line and remain serious title threats. Alex Bowman added strength with an eighth-place finish at Bristol.
Hendrick’s playoff push has been marked by strong qualifying and steady race pace, though tire wear and late-race cautions have tested their adaptability. With multiple champions in its stable, HMS maintains the depth to challenge JGR as the postseason continues.
Team Penske Proves Resilient
Team Penske holds third in NextGen laps led with 4,893 and showed trademark grit in the opening playoff round. Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Austin Cindric advanced through the Round of 16 despite facing mid-race incidents and traffic challenges. Blaney in particular overcame spins and still delivered the results needed to move forward. Penske’s championship pedigree and strategic acumen make the group a formidable contender.
While their lap totals trail the top two teams, their ability to adapt under pressure is a key weapon as the playoffs head into the critical New Hampshire stop.
Trackhouse and 23XI Seek Breakthroughs
Trackhouse Racing and 23XI Racing round out the NextGen top five, holding 2,544 and 2,339 laps led respectively. Trackhouse drivers Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez remain alive in the playoffs but are searching for a defining victory to shift momentum. 23XI’s Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace have shown competitive speed yet continue to chase consistency.
Reddick entered the postseason without a 2025 win and knows execution will determine how far he can advance. These organizations may not match the lap totals of JGR or HMS, but their presence keeps the playoff field unpredictable and competitive.
News in Brief: Joe Gibbs Racing Dominates as NASCAR’s New Era Takes Over
Joe Gibbs Racing became the first team to surpass 10,000 laps led in the NextGen era, reaching 10,018 after a dominant Bristol run. JGR swept the Round of 16 with wins from Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Briscoe, and Hamlin leads the playoff standings entering the Round of 12. Hendrick Motorsports follows closely with 9,786 laps led, while Team Penske, Trackhouse Racing, and 23XI Racing complete the top five. JGR’s depth and speed make it the championship favorite.
ALSO READ: Joe Gibbs Racing Star Faces Harsh Reality as Daytona Chaos Exposes Flaws!
