Denny Hamlin Joe Gibbs Racing is facing significant internal strife following a controversial incident at New Hampshire, where Hamlin appeared to deliberately collide with teammate Ty Gibbs during a pivotal playoff race. The resulting conflict, described as potentially organization-damaging by former champion Kevin Harvick, has cast doubt over both Hamlin’s championship ambitions and the stability of Joe Gibbs Racing.
Escalation of Tensions at New Hampshire
Joe Gibbs Racing entered the weekend in a commanding position, having secured victories in all three races of the Round of 16, with Denny Hamlin celebrating his 59th NASCAR Cup Series win at Gateway. However, the optimism quickly faded as the team’s fortunes soured at New Hampshire. Hamlin finished twelfth, overshadowed by his heated on-track and post-race exchange with Ty Gibbs, the grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs.
During the race, frustration mounted for Hamlin as Gibbs, not a playoff contender, persistently challenged him on the track. Hamlin’s irritation reached a breaking point when, over team radio, he asked his crew,
“What the f*** is he doing?”
Eventually, Hamlin collided with Gibbs on lap 110, escalating the feud from words to actions.
In the aftermath, Hamlin expressed his lingering frustration and called for a unified approach from the team’s leaders to address the internal discord. He insisted during his Actions Detrimental podcast that he felt “wronged” and that Joe Gibbs Racing’s leadership must act to realign the team’s focus.
Kevin Harvick Raises Concerns Over Team Dynamics
2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick observed the incident closely, voicing deep concerns about its impact on both Hamlin and the organization as a whole. Harvick, analyzing the sequence during his Happy Hour podcast, made it clear he considered Hamlin’s move a deliberate act against Ty Gibbs.
“When I look at this scenario, obviously the 11 [Hamlin] – as you can see him go up from the hash mark right there straight into the back of the 54. That was intentional, there’s no hiding that that wasn’t intentional.”
– Kevin Harvick, 2014 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
He went on to speculate that this could be the pivotal moment that jeopardizes Hamlin’s pursuit of next season’s championship, with ramifications likely extending beyond the two drivers in question.
“And you know I think that when he made that decision, it could be the moment that derails Denny Hamlin’s championship chase for 2025.”
– Kevin Harvick, 2014 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Harvick expressed surprise at the manner in which Hamlin, once regarded as a mature leader within the squad, responded under pressure.
“As mature as Denny Hamlin has become, and as much of a leader as he has become, I’m really surprised that he chose that action in that moment during the playoffs for a championship.”
– Kevin Harvick, 2014 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Ripple Effects Throughout Joe Gibbs Racing
The internal turmoil sparked by the incident has rapidly become the primary storyline in NASCAR, threatening to draw in other members of Joe Gibbs Racing. Harvick predicted that the organizational fallout would force intervention from figures including owner Joe Gibbs, competition director Chris Gabehart, and other team members, causing rifts that could divide the team further.
He commented that the repercussions of Hamlin’s choice have led to widespread discussions and tensions within the team’s headquarters, involving drivers and management alike. Harvick recounted how such conflicts require all parties to participate in difficult conversations to prevent further damage, while also urging caution in public statements to avoid inflaming the situation.
“There is not a good solution from the 11 standpoint, there is not a good solution as to how it should go because the damage is already done.”
– Kevin Harvick, 2014 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Chris Gabehart, serving as a steady voice during media encounters, and Joe Gibbs, who met with reporters, were both careful in their communications, evidence of the high stakes and potential for lasting harm within the organization. Other drivers and staff, including those piloting the 20 and 19 cars, now find themselves caught in the escalating intra-team drama.
The Road Ahead for Hamlin and JGR
Following these developments, Denny Hamlin positions fifth in the playoff standings, sitting 27 points above the elimination mark as the series heads to Kansas for the Hollywood Casino 400. The outcome of this next race may hinge on the team’s ability to resolve underlying tensions quickly and effectively.
As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on whether Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing can restore trust and cohesion in time to maintain their championship campaign. The stakes surrounding the Denny Hamlin Joe Gibbs Racing saga are higher than ever, with the unity and future success of one of NASCAR’s elite teams now hanging in the balance.
"Is that the moment that derails Denny Hamlin's 2025 championship?" @KevinHarvick's thoughts on Hamlin vs. Ty Gibbs at New Hampshire. pic.twitter.com/7KUDoKfaZr
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) September 23, 2025
