On a turbulent weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin warns Joe Gibbs Racing that unclear expectations around team racing could jeopardize their performance, after a contentious incident with teammate Ty Gibbs. This push for clearer rules comes as the team, which entered the race with strong momentum, faces internal strife that may impact their championship hopes, with Hamlin emphasizing the potential for chaos if leadership fails to step in.
Joe Gibbs Racing Faces Internal Friction After New Hampshire Clash
Joe Gibbs Racing suffered a disappointing outing in New Hampshire, despite a promising start to their run, following a dominant R-16 sweep. Veteran racer Denny Hamlin, involved in a heated on-track incident, collided with teammate Ty Gibbs, derailing both drivers’ races and resulting in zero meaningful points for either. The clash ignited a debate about how teammates should compete during high-pressure events, further complicating the organization’s path forward in the ongoing season.
As recounted on his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin was direct in urging Joe Gibbs and the JGR management team to define boundaries for driver conduct within the garage. He called for leadership to clarify how teammates should interact on the racetrack, expressing concern that an unchecked, cutthroat approach could erode trust and diminish results for all drivers involved.
What I want to happen is leadership step in and tell us, what do you want us to do? If you want us all to just race each other cut-throat, no matter what your position is in the stature of the standings, we can definitely do that.
Denny Hamlin said on his Actions Detrimental podcast.
Clarifying Expectations: When Should Teammates Race Aggressively?
Hamlin argued that teammates should only engage in fierce competition when the stakes demand it—specifically, when they are contending for the same championship titles. He pointed to himself, Chase Briscoe, and Christopher Bell, all drivers currently competing for the 2025 championship, as examples of when hard racing is justified. In his view, only direct and meaningful competition should permit aggressive tactics among teammates, otherwise, it risks destabilizing the team’s cohesion.
Like I expect myself and the 19 [Chase Briscoe] and the 20 [Christopher Bell] to race really, really hard because we’re all battling each other to get above this cutline or maintain our status above the cutline.
Denny Hamlin added.
According to Hamlin, it is crucial for Joe Gibbs Racing’s leadership to set clear rules, specifying under what circumstances drivers are allowed to throw caution aside in pursuit of a win—even when racing against a teammate also chasing the championship. He warned that letting teammates compete without constraints could result in chaos, eliminating any real chance for the team to come out as title contenders.
If I get eliminated or the 19 gets eliminated or the 20 gets eliminated, and then we’ve established this ‘no rules — you guys just do whatever you wanna do,’ none of us are going to win.
Denny Hamlin asserted.
The three-time Daytona 500 champion highlighted that without structure, any driver could be eliminated, leading to a scenario where no one from the team secures victory. These concerns reflect Hamlin’s belief that success, especially during the high-stress playoff period, relies on teammates supporting each other rather than acting solely as rivals.
Why Team Discipline Matters During High-Stakes Races
Drawing on his deep experience with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin emphasized that the challenge of winning races has intensified considerably, and unnecessary friction among teammates only increases these difficulties. He addressed both Ty Gibbs and team management, cautioning that a lack of unity or supportive racing could result in more losses at a critical time in the season. The ongoing tension, he warned, could turn teammates into each other’s most significant obstacles—a recipe for collective failure.
You’re racing against where we have seen year in and year out, and it will continue to happen more and more, like it or not, teammates are going to start giving spots this time of the year. … If you’re going up against that and not only not being good teammates but yet being the most difficult ones to past, well then none of us have a shot.
Denny Hamlin said.
Hamlin observed that as the racing season progresses toward its climax, it becomes commonplace for teammates across the garage to help one another advance—especially when playoff positions are on the line. When teammates refuse to cooperate and, instead, present the greatest challenge to their own stable, the team’s collective prospects diminish sharply. This competitive tension was apparent during the team’s meeting, as Hamlin’s remarks raised urgent questions about how Joe Gibbs and his crew will address the situation in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead: Can Joe Gibbs Racing Reestablish Order?
The fallout from New Hampshire and Denny Hamlin’s public demand for stronger leadership has brought the issue of team dynamics to the forefront for Joe Gibbs Racing. As the squad gears up for vital team meetings and assesses its strategy for the remainder of the season, the focus will be on whether team principal Joe Gibbs and his management can provide the structure necessary to guide their talented roster through the pressures of high-stakes racing. With stars like Hamlin, Ty Gibbs, Christopher Bell, and Chase Briscoe all vying for critical championship points, the next steps taken by leadership will determine whether the organization is able to maintain its competitive edge, or risk internal chaos and missed opportunities on the grand stage.
