HomeNASCAR NewsNASCAR Drivers NewsDenny Hamlin Ty Gibbs Feud Heats Up After NH Clash
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Denny Hamlin Ty Gibbs Feud Heats Up After NH Clash

By Khushal Bhatia
Denny Hamlin Ty Gibbs feud
Denny Hamlin races at NH, amidst ongoing feud with Ty Gibbs. [Image Source: PROFOOTBALLNETWORK]

The Denny Hamlin Ty Gibbs feud erupted during the NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, September 21, 2025, when complications within Joe Gibbs Racing led to drama between teammates. In an eventful contest, frustration between Hamlin and Gibbs spilled over amid their struggle for position, raising new questions for the team as the season enters its final stretch.

Tensions Erupt at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

During a challenging race where Joe Gibbs Racing struggled for pace despite previous successes at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, internal strife overshadowed the day. Hamlin, Gibbs, and their fellow teammate Christopher Bell battled intensely for 11th place early in the race’s second stage. The competitive dynamic between Hamlin, a seasoned playoff contender, and Gibbs, a non-playoff rookie, intensified as the trio traded paint and contact on the track.

The escalating rivalry reached its breaking point on lap 111, when Hamlin, visibly irked by Gibbs’s aggressive defense, spun his teammate in turn one. This incident was captured in real-time and broadcast widely, adding fuel to public and media speculation about its implications.

“TENSIONS. ARE. HIGH. 👀Denny Hamlin voices some frustration while battling with teammate Ty Gibbs. #NASCARPlayoffs📺: @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/epxts7yuDJ”— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC)

The aftermath of the clash was immediate: Hamlin managed to recover and finish 12th, while Gibbs suffered damage that sent him to the garage, ultimately resulting in a 35th-place finish.

Denny Hamlin
Image of: Denny Hamlin

Neither driver offered much commentary to the press after the incident, deflecting questions on potential fallout. Team owner Joe Gibbs, who is also Ty Gibbs’ grandfather, signaled his intent to let the drivers handle the conflict themselves.

“Those guys are the ones driving the cars, and so those guys can get together on their own and figure it out.”— Joe Gibbs, JGR team owner

With six races remaining in the 2025 season, the unresolved tension between two competitive drivers poses a challenge for a team seeking stability and a shot at the championship amid increasing public scrutiny.

Pondering Consequences for Team Success

The New Hampshire exchange has triggered debate regarding whether teams can compete for a championship while internal feuds simmer. The clash between Hamlin and Gibbs had all the hallmarks of a classic generational rivalry, pitting a veteran with 59 career wins against an ambitious rising star still seeking his first Cup victory.

The race saw both drivers engaged in heated radio communication and tense moments on the track, culminating when Gibbs’ car hit the wall after contact with Hamlin. The possibility of continued hostilities has not escaped attention, with many questioning if Sunday marked merely the start of an ongoing rift. During his interview with the NBC broadcast team, Gibbs gave a noncommittal response to questions on the incident.

“Ty Gibbs on the incident with Denny Hamlin 👀 https://t.co/WhTNTz1h3H pic.twitter.com/sIsY7Hkan9″— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC)

Despite the tension, many expect emotions to cool with time, noting that Hamlin and Gibbs share a longstanding personal connection beyond the racetrack. Analysts point out the unlikelihood of Gibbs pursuing overt revenge, especially with both drivers’ postseason prospects—and team reputation—potentially at stake. Instead, mature resolution and internal discussions are likely, considering JGR’s aspirations.

Hamlin commented via his Actions Detrimental podcast, suggesting that organizational leadership should intervene if teammate battles threaten the team’s collective chances, yet he also acknowledged the need for drivers to work together.

“These (races) are hard enough to win anyway, but if you’re going to have to race your teammates harder than anyone on the track, then this is going to be really tough for any one of us to win,” Hamlin said. “… And from my standpoint, I would think Ty would want one of us to win a championship, because it’s his name on the building.”

“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/M8yTGvODy5Apple: https://t.co/3mAw7OSOgeYouTube: https://t.co/sYO8auh6hw pic.twitter.com/wgc6hu7a7L”— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia)

Examining their established dynamic, Hamlin has long served as a mentor figure to Gibbs. In earlier stages of his career, Gibbs credited Hamlin for guidance and support, saying:

“He’s been a great teammate to me, feel like we consider each other family. … I’ve known him my whole life … always enjoyed being around Denny.”— Ty Gibbs

The complexity of their relationship means that professional disputes can quickly cross into personal territory, yet mutual respect may ultimately win out, pushing both drivers to work through their differences. Both individuals have higher aspirations on the horizon—a championship for Hamlin and a breakout season for Gibbs—which may motivate reconciliation over rivalry as the season progresses.

Signals of Lingering Resentment

Despite some predictions of a quick resolution, there are signs that the Denny Hamlin Ty Gibbs feud may not be so easily extinguished. A sense of ongoing frustration has emerged, particularly from Gibbs, who reacted to social media commentary surrounding the New Hampshire incident.

“Nothing is Over! Nothing! You just don’t turn it off!”— John Rambo (quoted)

This sense of indignation appeared to surface in the aftermath, as Gibbs indirectly acknowledged, via a social media post using a pointing emoji, agreement with Kevin Harvick’s assertion that Hamlin spun him on purpose.

“Based on Ty Gibbs’ Instagram, he agrees with Kevin Harvick saying that Denny Hamlin spun him intentionally. pic.twitter.com/h2Js2G3euT”— John Newby (@JohnNewby_)

Such public acknowledgments indicate that feelings about the incident persist, making it unlikely that the issue disappears without meaningful dialogue. Joe Gibbs confirmed he would allow the drivers to address the conflict among themselves, framing this as an important moment for his grandson’s growth as both a driver and teammate.

Rivalries and intra-team clashes are hardly foreign to NASCAR. Notable past disputes within Joe Gibbs Racing have involved respected veterans such as Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, and Kyle Busch—who also previously tangled with Hamlin. Hamlin himself faced skepticism as a young driver from established stars like Tony Stewart, underscoring that hard-nosed competition within top organizations is not new.

Yet, the present scenario is unique: Ty Gibbs, who carries his family name on the team and on the car, is seeking validation in a highly competitive field after being chosen over experienced champion Kyle Busch. The pressure intensifies as Gibbs continues to chase his first Cup Series win while Hamlin pursues an elusive championship. With other JGR drivers such as Christopher Bell and newcomers such as Chase Briscoe ascending, Gibbs faces both personal and professional challenges to assert himself.

Hamlin, meanwhile, risks both team unity and his own title hopes if the feud escalates. Analysts argue that only humility and open communication will enable healing, while missed opportunities underscore the importance of internal support during this critical final stretch of the season. If either party fails to move on, the repercussions could be significant, with the potential to disrupt JGR’s championship ambitions and future driver relationships.

History suggests that unresolved disputes can fester—sometimes lingering for multiple seasons—unless addressed squarely by team leadership. With stakes higher than ever for both drivers and the organization, a proactive approach could dictate whether this feud becomes just another chapter in NASCAR lore or a lasting obstacle for Joe Gibbs Racing.

What Lies Ahead for Hamlin, Gibbs, and Joe Gibbs Racing

The fallout from the Denny Hamlin Ty Gibbs feud leaves the future for Joe Gibbs Racing uncertain as the playoffs loom. The organization, already facing on-track challenges, must now grapple with a high-profile internal rivalry that shows potential to distract and destabilize their campaign. With only six races left, how Hamlin and Gibbs navigate their relationship—and whether Joe Gibbs or team management step in—will be crucial to the team’s success and the individual drivers’ paths.

The lessons gleaned from this conflict could extend well beyond the current season, shaping Gibbs’ development as both a competitor and leader and influencing how JGR manages internal strains between established stars and emerging talents. If open communication and mutual respect are prioritized, the team could rally and reassert itself among NASCAR’s elite. If the feud deepens, the consequences may include not only lost victories and damaged relationships, but also a tarnished organizational legacy for one of the sport’s most celebrated outfits.

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