The Denny Hamlin championship controversy intensified after a dramatic incident at the USA Today 301 in New Hampshire, where Hamlin was involved in a collision with Ty Gibbs, his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, leading to major internal tension and media criticism. Frustration and concern have mounted within the team, with questions about how this clash might affect Hamlin’s pursuit of an elusive Cup title in the future.
Conflict Escalates Within Joe Gibbs Racing After Costly On-Track Incident
Tensions ran high at New Hampshire when Denny Hamlin, currently the winningest driver without a championship title, was seen crashing into Ty Gibbs, his teammate and the grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs. Although Hamlin later stated on his podcast that the contact was accidental, there has been widespread skepticism, especially from fellow drivers and analysts. The clash happened at a critical point in the USA Today 301, putting both drivers in a difficult spotlight and placing additional strain on an already sensitive team dynamic.
Joe Gibbs Racing, recognized for its competitive spirit and strong roster, now faces a complicated situation with two drivers unwilling to step away from confrontation. Hamlin’s suggestion for intervention by team management underscores the gravity of the rift, made even more delicate because of Gibbs’ family connection to ownership. The lack of resolution so far has left fans and industry insiders speculating about the impact on team unity going forward.
Questions Arise About Hamlin’s Championship Prospects After Fallout
Kevin Harvick, the 2014 Cup champion, weighed in this week on his own Happy Hour podcast, offering pointed criticism of Hamlin’s conduct and raising concerns about the long-term ramifications for the driver’s career aspirations. Harvick questioned whether this very clash could stifle Hamlin’s efforts to finally clinch a title in the 2025 season after years of near-misses and consistent performance.
“Here’s the question I have: is that the moment that derails Denny Hamlin’s 2025 championship, because of the fact that decision now is a decision that you have to talk about next week, it’s a decision that can divide the shop,”
Kevin Harvick, 2014 Cup winner, said.
Harvick emphasized that creating divisions within the organization could prove costly.
“It’s a decision that shows a lot of people that you don’t really have a lot of respect (for others around you),”
Harvick continued.
“When he made that decision, it could be the moment that derails Denny Hamlin’s championship chase for 2025.”
As Joe Gibbs Racing contemplates how to move forward, Harvick made his doubts about Hamlin’s intentions clear, stating that the collision did not appear accidental.
“This is a tough one. When I look this scenario, obviously, the 11 as you can see him go up from the hash mark straight into the back of the 54, that was intentional, right? There’s no hiding that wasn’t intentional,”
Harvick explained.
He further questioned the intensity between the JGR teammates:
“I think they raced hard like this, they raced hard like this with the roles reversed earlier in the race with the 54 trying to pass the 11. You could have wiped out all three of them right there, and I just don’t understand,”
he added.
Unresolved Tensions and Implications for Hamlin’s Title Hopes
The fallout from the New Hampshire clash shows no signs of calming down, as both Hamlin and Gibbs have made few moves toward reconciliation. Ty Gibbs shared a video clip of Harvick’s remarks on social media, adding only a pointing finger emoji, suggesting agreement with the criticism aimed at Hamlin.
With neither driver backing down, Joe Gibbs Racing remains in a precarious situation. The ongoing dispute keeps the focus on their internal issues rather than upcoming races. If tensions continue, Harvick’s warning about the impact on Hamlin’s 2025 championship campaign could prove prophetic, leaving fans and the motorsports world closely watching the next move from all parties involved.
"Is that the moment that derails Denny Hamlin's 2025 championship?" @KevinHarvick's thoughts on Hamlin vs. Ty Gibbs at New Hampshire. pic.twitter.com/7KUDoKfaZr
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) September 23, 2025
