The aftermath of Sunday’s race saw the Denny Hamlin Ty Gibbs controversy spark heated debate among fans and analysts, as Gibbs was spun out by Hamlin during Stage 2 in a crucial moment for their team. Despite the high stakes and divided opinions, Gibbs managed to avoid escalating the conflict, impressing many observers with his composed handling of the situation in the public eye.
Fans and Analysts React to the Incident Between Teammates
Following the clash, fans were quick to take sides regarding Gibbs’ decision not to yield to either Hamlin or Christopher Bell, even though both drivers are urgently seeking playoff points. Some supporters insisted that in racing, everyone must look out for themselves regardless of team dynamics, while others argued the team should have worked together to improve both Hamlin and Bell’s odds for playoff advancement. The event in the garage led to widespread discussion, but a broad consensus emerged that Gibbs’ restraint signaled his maturity under pressure.
Hamlin’s retaliation on the track, which left Gibbs with a broken toe link and an early exit to the garage, further ignited conversation. Reporters flocked to both drivers, but neither offered direct commentary. Pressed by the media about the spin, Gibbs kept his focus forward, saying,
Yeah, it’s unfortunate, but I’m excited to go race next week and I’m looking forward to it.
— Ty Gibbs, Driver. When further questioned on Hamlin’s assertion that someone within their organization should address his actions, Gibbs repeated,
Yeah, we’ll have a good race next week. I’m looking forward to it.
— Ty Gibbs, Driver.
Criticism and Support for Gibbs’ Post-Race Approach
Hamlin addressed his contact with Gibbs by labeling it “unfortunate,” a remark that many interpreted as pushing blame back toward his teammate. The refusal of both drivers to engage directly with reporters drew diverse remarks from observers in the press. Danielle Trotta, who covers motorsports for Amazon Prime and TNT, commented pointedly,
If someone told Ty Gibbs to dodge reporter questions w a canned answer they gave him bad advice.
— Danielle Trotta, Amazon Prime/TNT Reporter.
On social media, fan reactions leaned toward appreciation for Gibbs’ self-restraint, especially when contrasted with more heated outbursts often seen in the sport. One individual wrote,
Looking for clicks? Let them hash it out tomorrow during the competition meeting instead of through the media.
— Unattributed. Another added bluntly,
Surely you didn’t think he was gonna trash his teammate on a microphone.
— Unattributed. A third supporter referenced past controversies, noting,
Having heard many drivers, including Ty, fly off with f bombs and things that put sponsors in tough spots, his response was calculated and smart. So when he dumps Denny it will be just a racing incident and not retaliation.
— Unattributed.
Comparisons With Past NASCAR Incidents
The controversy drew parallels to previous high-profile NASCAR moments. One fan remembered how Kyle Busch avoided adding fuel to media drama during his infamous interview after a notable altercation, repeating only,
Everything’s great…cant wait to get back to the race car next week….everything’s great……..
— Kyle Busch, Driver. This restraint—now reflected in Gibbs’s approach—has become a reference point for media relations guidance after heated races.
While Hamlin initially stayed tight-lipped at the track, he later explained on his Actions Detrimental podcast that he did not expect his own teammate to present the toughest challenge during a critical phase. His comments underlined the sense of betrayal some felt within their organization about the on-track conflict between teammates like Ty Gibbs, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell.
Looking Ahead After the Denny Hamlin Ty Gibbs Controversy
This episode highlights the complexity of team relationships in NASCAR, especially when individual ambitions and organizational goals collide under the spotlight. By not feeding the media narrative further, Ty Gibbs drew not only criticism from some analysts but also respect from segments of the fanbase and peers for prioritizing internal resolution. As the drivers and their organizations regroup before the next race, the focus now turns to whether this event has lasting effects on team dynamics and playoff contention in the coming weeks.
If someone told Ty Gibbs to dodge reporter questions w a canned answer they gave him bad advice.
— Danielle Trotta (@DanielleTrotta) September 21, 2025
