Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs, both driving for the same team, were at the center of an emotionally charged incident during the NASCAR Cup Series at New Hampshire before the conclusion of Stage 2. The Denny Hamlin NASCAR Playoffs incident unfolded when Hamlin, in pursuit of a championship, made contact with Gibbs—who is not in the title hunt—leading to Gibbs spinning out and ultimately retiring from the race after a subsequent solo crash.
Hamlin’s Playoff Push Sparks Intra-Team Friction
Denny Hamlin’s championship ambitions clashed with Ty Gibbs’ desire to hold his ground on the track. Throughout multiple laps, Gibbs maintained his position ahead of Hamlin, causing the veteran to grow increasingly frustrated as his playoffs hopes demanded better track position. Hamlin’s patience reached its limit, and after repeated attempts to pass, contact was made, sending Gibbs spinning and resulting in a disappointing DNF for the younger driver.
The aftermath saw Gibbs head to the infield care center, receiving medical attention but not revealing his true feelings initially. Emerging from the care center, Gibbs offered a short and controlled response, showing little emotion to cameras in the immediate moments after the collision.
Ty Gibbs Responds After the Incident
Though Ty Gibbs maintained composure on television, he became more candid away from the cameras. Speaking with journalists following his release from the care center, Gibbs made it clear that he believed he was wronged in the altercation with Hamlin.
“Yeah. We’ll have a good race next week, looking forward to it.”
— Ty Gibbs, NASCAR Driver
When pressed by reporters, Gibbs shared additional thoughts about the incident and his plans moving forward:
“Yeah, but we got wrecked there,”
— Ty Gibbs, NASCAR Driver
“So, we’ll go see them next week.”
— Ty Gibbs, NASCAR Driver
Rising Tensions Over Team Dynamics
The conflict highlighted the delicate balance between individual ambition and team cooperation, especially during the NASAR Playoffs. Ty Gibbs raced aggressively as is his right, defending his place on the track against Hamlin. For Hamlin, the expectation was that a teammate, especially one out of the championship picture, might ease off in order to avoid jeopardizing playoff chances. Instead, both remained stubborn, resulting in high tension and a costly incident.
Hamlin reportedly sent signals—both over the radio and through harder on-track bumps—for Gibbs to concede track position, but these were ignored. The escalation points to ongoing issues with Gibbs, who has developed a reputation for not always acting in the best interests of his teammates.
Inside the Team Radio: Frustration Escalates
In the intense laps preceding the collision, Hamlin was vocal over the radio, urging his team to relay messages to Gibbs in hopes of resolving their stalemate. The anxiety and urgency of the playoff race only contributed to Hamlin’s exasperation when his requests went unheeded, increasing pressure on both drivers as they battled for position.
Hamlin expressed his frustration openly, expressing disappointment with the lack of cooperation from his teammate. His team was unable to get Gibbs to yield, setting the stage for the contact that eliminated Gibbs from the race, while also casting a shadow over the Monday team debrief.
Implications for the Team and Playoffs
This incident between Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs has intensified scrutiny of team dynamics during the high-stakes NASCAR Playoffs. The fallout is likely to fuel further debate about the roles and responsibilities of teammates in title-chasing scenarios, especially when only one is contending for the championship. With emotions still raw, the team faces a challenging post-race period, as both drivers look ahead to their next race, but the ripple effects of their confrontation may linger through the remainder of the playoffs.
Ty Gibbs after the contact with Hamlin … said he got wrecked and he will see them next week. pic.twitter.com/kYaURYviW8
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 21, 2025
The Nos. 11 and 54 get together! @TyGibbs spins and backs it into the wall. pic.twitter.com/Qp9oVyufFF
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 21, 2025
