The latest episode of Frontstretch Happy Hour spotlighted the growing Joe Gibbs Racing feud, as panelists recapped the high-stakes drama between Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, September 21. With tensions on the rise and Team Penske’s strength reshaping the NASCAR Cup Series championship chase, race insiders examined who was at fault and where the title fight heads next.
Debating Responsibility After New Hampshire’s On-Track Clash
During Sunday’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin spun Ty Gibbs, sparking fresh conflict within the Joe Gibbs Racing garage. The fallout from this incident became a central talking point for Bryan Nolen, Michael Massie, Dalton Hopkins, and guest Ed Lane on their show. The hosts debated whether Hamlin or the younger Gibbs bore more responsibility for the altercation, questioning if Gibbs should show more personality and assertiveness in light of the incident.
With the public eye fixed on Joe Gibbs Racing, speculation has grown over how the team will manage internal rivalries while maintaining focus on the season’s objectives. This dynamic adds another layer of intrigue to the Joe Gibbs Racing feud, fueling discussion across the NASCAR community as the playoff battle intensifies.
Team Penske Claims Championship Lead at New Hampshire
At the same event, Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano’s powerful performance propelled Team Penske into the spotlight, cementing their status as frontrunners for the championship. The hosts asserted that after dominating at New Hampshire, Penske has become the team to beat, especially as rival organizations like Toyota have struggled to keep pace.
The shift in momentum away from Toyota and toward Team Penske has forced other teams to reevaluate their strategies heading into the final stages of the season. The question now is how, or if, Toyota can close the gap before the championship is decided.
Changing Playoff Landscape Raises New Questions
This year’s New Hampshire race attracted a sellout crowd and delivered an entertaining competition on the Magic Mile, but next year’s schedule will see this venue moved out of the playoff rotation. The hosts considered whether New Hampshire deserves a postseason spot given its recent popularity and race-day atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the playoff committee’s recent meetings—detailed by The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck—hint at possible changes to the postseason format. According to Gluck, more committee members are now open to adopting a season-long championship model instead of the current playoff structure. It remains to be seen what direction NASCAR will take if format changes are implemented or if the playoffs continue as they are.
Looking Ahead: Impact on Teams and the Championship
With Joe Gibbs Racing navigating both internal rivalries and external competition, and Team Penske gaining momentum, the championship picture continues to evolve. Key figures like Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, Ty Gibbs, and Ryan Blaney will remain central as the NASCAR Cup Series enters its crucial phases. The outcome of the ongoing Joe Gibbs Racing feud and potential playoff format decisions could have lasting effects on the series, the committee, and its fanbase as teams push toward the season’s finish.
