Ty Gibbs left New Hampshire Motor Speedway with more questions than answers after a tense post-race interview followed his on-track clash with teammate Denny Hamlin. The first race of the Round of 12 saw Ryan Blaney win, but Joe Gibbs Racing’s internal friction stole headlines. A sharp on-air exchange with broadcaster Kim Coon turned a typical interview into a national talking point, highlighting the growing scrutiny on Gibbs as he navigates pressure in his third NASCAR Cup Series season.
Key Highlights
- Ryan Blaney wins the Round of 12 opener at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
- Ty Gibbs spins after contact with teammate Denny Hamlin on Lap 111.
- Kim Coon presses Gibbs on-air; he deflects with short, repetitive answers.
- Danielle Trotta criticizes Gibbs’ approach to post-race questioning.
- Joe Gibbs and Chris Gabehart stress driver responsibility in resolving team conflict.
Clash on the Magic Mile
New Hampshire’s 301-lap race delivered high stakes for playoff contenders, but the flashpoint came when Hamlin’s Toyota clipped Gibbs’ No. 54 exiting Turn 4. Hamlin, chasing his sixth win of the year, fumed over the radio.
“Does Ty know we’re going for a championship? What the fu-k? Are they afraid to talk to him? That’s what I feel like, they’re scared of him.” – Denny Hamlin
Hamlin’s frustration grew from a three-wide battle with Gibbs and Christopher Bell, where Gibbs’ refusal to yield disrupted Hamlin’s playoff momentum. The veteran’s outburst set the stage for a challenging post-race atmosphere.
Ty Gibbs Faces the Microphone
Broadcaster Kim Coon confronted Gibbs moments after the race, asking direct questions about the incident.
“Denny Hamlin was not happy with you talking about how he was racing for a championship. As you look at the incident, was somebody in the right and somebody in the wrong, and where does that lay out?” – Kim Coon
Gibbs remained composed but offered little substance.
“Yeah, you know, it’s unfortunate, but I’m excited to go race next week and looking forward to it.” – Ty Gibbs
Coon pressed again about Hamlin’s call for a team discussion.
“Denny also mentioned that he felt like somebody from the organization should talk to you. What do you expect that conversation to look like?” – Kim Coon
Gibbs repeated his earlier stance.
“Yeah, we’ll have a good race next week. We’re looking forward to it.” – Ty Gibbs
The brief replies drew swift reaction across NASCAR media.
Media Pushback and Social Reactions
Broadcaster Danielle Trotta criticized the deflection.
“If someone told Ty Gibbs to dodge reporter questions w a canned answer they gave him bad advice.” – Danielle Trotta
Coon defended her approach, highlighting the need for accountability.
“One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a journalist is assuming you know how someone is going to answer a question. A second mistake would be then allowing that assumption to keep you from asking the questions that have to be asked.” – Kim Coon
The exchange recalled past confrontations, including Kyle Busch’s 2017 Phoenix interview when he repeatedly used the same phrase to avoid discussing a fight with Joey Logano. Gibbs’ measured responses may have limited immediate fallout but risked alienating fans looking for honesty.
Team Leadership Stays Measured
Joe Gibbs, a Hall of Fame owner with decades of championship experience, signaled that resolution must come from within.
“It’s always the drivers that have to handle that. They’re the ones that have got the wheel, and that’s always the case. So that’s what we’ll do. Those guys all are the ones driving the cars, and so those guys will get together on their own and figure it out.” – Joe Gibbs
Competition director Chris Gabehart, Hamlin’s former crew chief, offered a balanced view.
“[Denny] was probably looking for more of a break than he got. That’s what I would guess. That’s what I saw. The hard part is the 54 is trying to win races and trying to make a name for himself as well. So, everybody needs more space than they have.” – Chris Gabehart
Their comments reflect a strategy of private resolution, keeping focus on the playoffs while avoiding further public escalation.
News in Brief:Ty Gibbs Put on the Spot by NASCAR Broadcasters After Heated Clash
A tense post-race interview followed Ty Gibbs’ Lap 111 clash with teammate Denny Hamlin at New Hampshire, overshadowing Ryan Blaney’s Round of 12 victory. Hamlin voiced anger over the radio, while broadcaster Kim Coon pressed Gibbs for answers he declined to give, prompting criticism from Danielle Trotta and support for tough questioning from Coon herself. Joe Gibbs emphasized driver-led resolution, and Chris Gabehart explained the close-quarters racing.
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