Denny Hamlin Ty Gibbs clash became the focal point at New Hampshire Motor Speedway during the opening race of the 2025 Playoff Round of 12, where internal tensions erupted within Joe Gibbs Racing. Instead of dominating the field as expected, teammates Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs found themselves in a heated on-track altercation, dramatically shifting the race’s outcome and team dynamics.
On-Track Tensions Overshadow Joe Gibbs Racing’s Playoff Hopes
The anticipation for a dominant performance by Joe Gibbs Racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway was high, with drivers Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, and Ty Gibbs all eager to make an impact. However, midway through the event, the trio was locked in a tense battle outside the top 10, disrupting the team’s playoff ambitions. Ty Gibbs, piloting the No. 54 Toyota, repeatedly executed aggressive defensive moves against his own teammates, drawing frustration from both Hamlin and Bell. This approach was particularly contentious as both Hamlin and Bell were in the championship hunt, while Gibbs was not vying for the title.
After a series of warning taps, Hamlin made a decisive move, spinning Gibbs to clear a path for himself and Bell. The aftermath was stark: Christopher Bell finished sixth, Hamlin twelfth, while Gibbs suffered a disappointing drop to thirty-fifth, becoming one of the day’s lowest finishers. These on-track decisions directly impacted Joe Gibbs Racing’s collective performance and playoff strategy.
Hamlin Voices Frustration Over Team Dynamics
After the race, Hamlin openly addressed his frustration with Ty Gibbs, who is not only a teammate but also the grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs. Hamlin reminded Gibbs of the importance of supporting the drivers fighting for the championship—the title that has eluded the team since 2019. The tension spilled into public view as Hamlin emphasized the need for mutual respect among teammates, especially during the playoff season. He also included Chase Briscoe and Christopher Bell in the discussion, stating the collective responsibility to secure a long-awaited title for the Gibbs family.
“We made contact into [Turn] 1 — it was like a fourth or fifth time we made contact, but eventually he ended up getting spun…Obviously us, the 20 [of Bell], the 19 [of 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, via Fox Sports
Mentorship and the Road to Improvement for Ty Gibbs
In reflecting on the post-race incident and the broader relationship dynamics at Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin, who has often served as a mentor to Ty Gibbs, elaborated on the challenges the young driver faces in adapting to the expectations of the Cup Series. Since Gibbs’ debut—when he first substituted for Kurt Busch at Hamlin’s 23XI Racing—Hamlin has watched the young driver’s growth and growing pains.
Despite being critical, Hamlin acknowledged the raw talent Gibbs brings to the team, but he also pointed out an evident struggle with understanding situational racing, particularly the nuances of “down and distance” in high-pressure settings. This learning curve remains a focal point for improvement between the driver and his mentor.
“I definitely have more dialogue with him than any of the other teammates that I have. But he’s just got so much to learn and certainly got a very high ceiling of talent. Just understanding down and distance seems to be the struggle.
Denny Hamlin
Team Meeting Anticipated to Resolve Internal Issues
With tensions running high, Hamlin revealed that both drivers and team management, led by Joe Gibbs, plan to address the clash in an upcoming team meeting. The expectation is that leadership will step in to reinforce the team’s priorities and mediate any lingering disputes, ensuring such incidents do not undermine championship aspirations moving forward.
“The 54 got back clear of me and the 20, and we ran him right back down, and then just couldn’t get any space to race once we were trying to pass. I don’t know what the whole formula is, but I’m sure Joe and those guys will figure it out.
Denny Hamlin
Joe Gibbs Racing now faces the challenging task of balancing internal competitiveness with big-picture goals. They must encourage Ty Gibbs to be a supportive team player focused on victory, while allowing the young driver opportunities to end his personal winless streak since moving up to the Cup Series, which remains an unresolved pressure point for the team and the young talent.
Significance for Joe Gibbs Racing’s Championship Ambitions
The Denny Hamlin Ty Gibbs clash at Loudon has brought overdue attention to the delicate interplay of mentorship, competition, and unity within a top-tier NASCAR team. For Joe Gibbs Racing, finding harmony among drivers like Hamlin, Bell, Briscoe, and Gibbs is critical as the playoff chase intensifies. The upcoming discussions and strategic adjustments will likely determine whether the team can capitalize on its talent or continue to be hindered by internal friction during the most crucial stage of the championship hunt.
