Kyle Petty criticizes Joe Gibbs for his hands-off approach following the on-track conflict between Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs during a recent NASCAR race. The incident took place as the two drivers clashed for position, sparking controversy over how the team leader has chosen to address the issue.
Team Owner’s Approach Draws Scrutiny After Driver Clash
Former crew chief Steve Letarte has repeatedly stated that Ty Gibbs bore responsibility in his altercation with Denny Hamlin, noting that the squabble was merely for an 11th-place position rather than a potential race win. Letarte expressed that if higher stakes were present, Gibbs’ aggressive tactics might have been more understandable. Instead, the incident unfolded as the cards failed to fall in favor of Ty Gibbs and the No. 54 team on race day, prompting calls for seeing the broader impact on the team and championship campaign.
The altercation occurred during Stage 2 of the race, with Hamlin hunting for valuable playoff points. Ty Gibbs’ interaction with his teammate did nothing to help either driver secure a better outcome, and Letarte soon redirected his concerns towards Joe Gibbs, advocating for more pronounced leadership from the JGR coach.
Joe Gibbs Opts for Driver Self-Resolution
After the clash, Joe Gibbs addressed the situation in a pit-lane interview by assigning accountability directly to the drivers.
It’s always the drivers that have to handle that. They’re the ones that got the wheel. And so I think that’s always the case. So that’s what we’ll do… So, we’ll kind of get those guys will get together on their own and figure it out. I think it’s hard for me. Okay. It’s not me, it’s the drivers.
– Joe Gibbs, Team Owner
Gibbs’ remarks indicated he would not directly mediate between Hamlin and Ty Gibbs, instead letting them resolve their dispute personally—a stance that has generated strong reaction within racing circles.
Kyle Petty and Steve Letarte Call for Stronger Leadership
Kyle Petty, known for his candid analysis, did not hold back in his criticism of Joe Gibbs’ response. Petty claimed that the JGR leader neglected his core responsibility:
What disturbed me was what Joe Gibbs said. He said, ‘It’s not about me, it’s about the drivers.’ What’s that mean? I thought it was ‘Coach’ Gibbs.
– Kyle Petty, Former Driver and Analyst
He argued that even outside motorsports—in common schoolyard scenarios—a coach would not hesitate to step in if teammates found themselves at odds. To Petty, Joe Gibbs’ reluctance to intervene was incongruous with the leadership expected of him.
Echoing these sentiments, Steve Letarte emphasized the need for direction from the team owner:
I loved everything he said except for they’re going to get together on the road. I don’t love that. And I feel like he shouldn’t let it possibly go forward without a discussion. I do believe that because of the situation, a little guidance would be good.
– Steve Letarte, Former Crew Chief
I think it’s coach’s team, and he should tell them what he expects, and then the drivers should figure out how they execute that together… If he has to be on the radio, then he has to talk to the drivers. The drivers should be able to do it. They’re professional athletes. So I love what he was leaning towards, but I don’t think it’s a they’ll get together on their own type of conversation.
– Steve Letarte, Former Crew Chief
Letarte’s views highlighted a common expectation among motorsport professionals: when high-stakes conflicts threaten team harmony or playoff chances, clear leadership is necessary to resolve disputes swiftly and constructively.
Drivers Express Need for Team Guidance
Adding to the discussion, Denny Hamlin recently used his podcast platform to reiterate the need for clear communication from Joe Gibbs Racing’s leadership. Hamlin pointed out that Joe Gibbs has, in the past, been explicit about the interaction between playoff and non-playoff teammates, insisting that support should be given to those still in title contention. Regular messages in team meetings underscored this expectation.
Hamlin indicated that Ty Gibbs was within his rights to make his own choices, but highlighted the double standard, explaining that roles might be reversed in the future, and courtesy is something that can protect opportunities for a championship run.
Looking Ahead: Resolution and Impact on JGR’s Future
Despite calls from Kyle Petty, Steve Letarte, and Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs has chosen to allow the drivers to settle their difference independently. This approach leaves uncertainty about whether the feud between Hamlin and Ty Gibbs can be put to rest amicably or if unresolved tensions may continue to affect their performance and team unity as the playoffs approach. Leadership expectations at JGR will remain under scrutiny as fans and insiders alike await the team’s next steps.
