In a dramatic turn during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, Denny Hamlin publicly confronted Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) about intra-team issues after a costly on-track clash with teammate Ty Gibbs at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS), raising questions about team solidarity just as JGR eyes a long-awaited championship. The Denny Hamlin JGR team conflict now risks overshadowing the powerhouse season led by Hamlin, Christopher Bell, and Chase Briscoe as playoff stakes reach new highs.
JGR’s Season of Strength and the Rising Tensions Within
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series has seen Joe Gibbs Racing command much of the spotlight. Christopher Bell opened the regular season with an impressive three consecutive victories, setting the tone for the organization’s campaign. Denny Hamlin soon emerged as the year’s most successful driver in terms of race wins, consolidating JGR’s dominance. Meanwhile, Chase Briscoe marked a standout season with six pole positions, unmatched by any competitor so far, solidifying his place among the top contenders. However, Ty Gibbs, despite his efforts, was the only JGR representative to not make it into the playoffs.
As the postseason began, the momentum carried forward. Bell, Briscoe, and Hamlin each took a win in the playoff’s opening round—at Bristol, Darlington, and Gateway—sending all three into the round of 12 and fueling high expectations for continued team superiority. After years of playing catch-up to Hendrick Motorsports and Team Penske, both of whom secured multiple championships since JGR’s last title with Kyle Busch in 2019, 2025 seemed poised to deliver redemption. As playoff rounds grew more intense, pressure for internal unity mounted.
Team Dynamics Crack Under Pressure at New Hampshire
The situation shifted at NHMS during the second stage of the race. Ty Gibbs, outside championship contention, fiercely defended his position against teammates Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell—despite not being in contention for the lead. In a moment that ignited fierce debate, Hamlin ultimately made contact with Gibbs’s car, sending the #54 spinning into the wall.
The incident quickly split the NASCAR community. Some believed Hamlin’s move was intentional, criticizing him for possibly sabotaging his teammate. Others sided with Hamlin, questioning why Gibbs would battle so aggressively against teammates with championship aspirations at stake. The intensity of the exchange underlined simmering tension within a team aiming for a collective accomplishment.
Denny Hamlin’s Candid Critique of Team Priorities
Addressing the controversy on his podcast, Hamlin gave his unfiltered perspective:
“We were racing really hard, and what in my mind was entirely too hard. My teammate, out of the playoffs, should not be the hardest car on the track to pass. Even Ross Chastain let me by. Ty didn’t. Like it or not, this time of year, non-playoff cars are supposed to cut a break. That’s just how it works.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
Hamlin’s frustration targets JGR’s leadership, specifically team owner Joe Gibbs—who is also Ty’s grandfather—insisting that the path to victory requires putting the group’s championship needs above individual ambitions. The veteran emphasized that cohesive, team-minded strategy is essential if JGR is to capture the elusive title and avoid self-inflicted setbacks during the most consequential stage of the season.
Potential Fallout: Internal Strife Risks JGR’s Pursuit of Glory
The impact of the incident is already evident in the standings, with Bell leading among the JGR drivers in fourth, Hamlin in fifth, and Briscoe in eighth place. The playoff picture could have dramatically worsened had the collision resulted in greater damage or points loss for the championship hopefuls. Denny Hamlin’s call for leadership intervention reveals broader concerns over whether JGR can function as a unified front when tensions escalate on the track.
Meanwhile, Ty Gibbs’s radio reaction after being spun—delivering only, “Game on”—hinted at a possible escalation in the coming races. This two-word retort has been interpreted by many within the paddock as a warning that further conflict could unfold, endangering JGR’s carefully rebuilt championship momentum if the rift between teammates deepens.
With Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, and Chase Briscoe all within striking distance of the title, Joe Gibbs Racing cannot afford further distractions or internal disputes. The season now teeters between triumph and turmoil, hinging on whether team leaders and drivers can resolve their differences and prioritize the shared pursuit of championship success for JGR.
Teammates shouldn’t be the toughest to pass… especially this time of year. 🤷♂️@dennyhamlin breaks it ALL down on this week’s Actions Detrimental — out now! 🔥
Spotify: https://t.co/M8yTGvODy5
Apple: https://t.co/3mAw7OSOge
YouTube: https://t.co/sYO8auh6hw pic.twitter.com/wgc6hu7a7L— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) September 22, 2025
Teammates shouldn’t be the toughest to pass… especially this time of year. 🤷♂️@dennyhamlin breaks it ALL down on this week’s Actions Detrimental — out now! 🔥
Spotify: https://t.co/M8yTGvODy5
Apple: https://t.co/3mAw7OSOge
YouTube: https://t.co/sYO8auh6hw pic.twitter.com/wgc6hu7a7L— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) September 22, 2025
