The NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway erupted into chaos Sunday as Ty Gibbs and Denny Hamlin collided on track, creating a tense scene for Joe Gibbs Racing. The young driver spun after slight contact with Hamlin, forcing him into the outside wall while the veteran struggled to maintain his championship bid. Owner Joe Gibbs remained diplomatic after the race, placing responsibility on his drivers to handle the dispute themselves, highlighting the fragile balance between aggression and teamwork in the high-stakes Round of 12.
Key Highlights
- Ty Gibbs spins after contact with teammate Denny Hamlin, hitting the outside wall.
- Joe Gibbs defers conflict resolution to drivers, emphasizing personal accountability.
- Gibbs also makes contact with Christopher Bell during the race, escalating tensions.
- Denny Hamlin finishes 12th, struggling to secure playoff advancement.
- Ty Gibbs issues a post-race warning, saying “We’ll see him next week”
On-Track Clash Between Teammates
Ty Gibbs’ frustration boiled over in the Round of 12, resulting in multiple incidents with teammates. The No. 54 Toyota’s clash with Hamlin began with a slight nudge to Gibbs’ left rear, sending the young driver spinning. Hamlin, mid-championship run, witnessed the collision firsthand and radioed his disbelief.
“Does Ty know we are going for a championship. What the f-ck?” – Denny Hamlin
Later, Hamlin added,
“Are they afraid to talk to him? That’s what I feel like. They’re just scared of him.” – Denny Hamlin
Gibbs, competing only for pride in the remaining races, remained defiant. After a pit stop for repairs, he returned to the track but nearly crashed again after hitting the Turn 2 wall.
“Game on.” – Ty Gibbs
Joe Gibbs Addresses the Situation
Team owner Joe Gibbs took a measured approach following the incident, emphasizing driver responsibility over direct intervention. His comments indicated that the conflict would be handled internally among the drivers rather than from the team leadership.
“It’s always the drivers that have to handle that. They’re the ones that got the wheel, so I think that’s always the case. So, that’s what we’ll do. These guys are the ones driving the cars, so we’ll get these guys together and sort it out.” – Joe Gibbs
When pressed about his personal feelings, Gibbs remained neutral, noting the distinction between his position and that of the drivers:
“I think it’s hard for me, okay. It’s not me; it’s the drivers. It’s the way I’ve always looked at this.” – Joe Gibbs
Denny Hamlin Reflects on a Disappointing Day
Denny Hamlin, who hoped to build on his fifth win of the season at Gateway, was forced to settle for 12th after starting ninth. He candidly admitted his role in the incident and reflected on the challenges of racing a teammate during high-pressure playoff conditions.
“We made contact into 1. It was like the fourth or fifth time we made contact. Eventually ended up being spun.”
“I made a mistake in Turn 1 so, would have made a mistake with anybody in that position. I was trying to get by him. That was a task in itself.”
“Us, the #19 and #20 are trying to win the championship for their family, so it’s crazy, unfortunate, why we’re racing the way we are.” – Denny Hamlin
Hamlin’s experience at New Hampshire underscores the delicate balance between aggression and strategic restraint during the playoffs, where each decision can dramatically impact championship aspirations.
Looking Ahead to Kansas
With the NASCAR Cup Series moving to Kansas Speedway for the Hollywood Casino 400 next Sunday, the drama between Hamlin and Gibbs could continue to unfold. Gibbs’ post-race warning, coupled with Hamlin’s championship urgency, suggests that Team Joe Gibbs Racing will need to manage internal tensions carefully. The upcoming penultimate Round of 12 race provides both drivers a chance to regain composure and realign strategies, but the on-track rivalry may shape interactions and results for the remainder of the playoff run.
News in Brief: Teammates Turn Foes at NHMS? Joe Gibbs’ First Public Statement
Ty Gibbs and Denny Hamlin collided during the Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, sending Gibbs into the outside wall. Gibbs also made contact with Christopher Bell while racing aggressively for pride, issuing a post-race warning that tensions would continue. Joe Gibbs emphasized that the drivers are responsible for resolving conflicts themselves. Hamlin finished 12th, acknowledging his mistake in Turn 1, and now faces pressure to advance in the playoffs. NASCAR heads to Kansas Speedway next week for the Hollywood Casino 400, promising high-stakes action and continued drama between teammates.
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