Denny Hamlin and the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing team face a critical test after a late-race incident at Bristol triggered a costly penalty. NASCAR’s decision to suspend two key crew members has forced the championship contender to shuffle its pit roster just as the playoffs intensify. With Kansas Speedway looming and Charlotte’s Roval ahead, the team’s quick response and reliance on experienced substitutes will determine how smoothly Hamlin can navigate this unexpected challenge while chasing a title.
Key Highlights
Denny Hamlin’s right-front wheel detached at Bristol, causing a crash and a two-lap penalty.
NASCAR issued a two-race suspension for front tire changer Austin Maloney and jackman Joel-Alexandre Bouagnon.
Joe Gibbs Racing deferred the suspension to keep the crew for New Hampshire, enforcing it for Kansas and Charlotte Roval.
Thomas Hatcher and Nate McBride were named as replacements, both with prior experience on Hamlin’s team.
Hamlin downplayed the changes, focusing on controllable factors during the playoffs.
Bristol Breakdown and Immediate Fallout
On September 12, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway turned costly for Denny Hamlin. Running inside the top ten for much of the night, his promising run unraveled on lap 384 when the No. 11 Toyota’s right-front wheel detached, sending him into AJ Allmendinger and triggering the race’s 13th caution.
NASCAR responded with a two-lap penalty that left Hamlin five laps down and finishing 31st. The incident also led to a two-race suspension for front tire changer Austin Maloney and jackman Joel-Alexandre Bouagnon. NASCAR’s action left Joe Gibbs Racing scrambling as the playoffs reached a critical stretch.
Strategic Deferral and NASCAR’s Rule Adjustment
New NASCAR rules in 2025 gave teams a fresh option: defer non-behavioral suspensions to a later event. Joe Gibbs Racing seized the opportunity, ensuring Maloney and Bouagnon stayed active for the Round of 12 opener at New Hampshire. NASCAR managing director of racing communications Mike Forde explained the process clearly.
“The suspension can be deferred without an appeal request for the next event following the issuance of the penalty. So if the 11 team would like for their two crew members to be part of the New Hampshire race, they can request a deferral. The appeals administrator would be the one who does grant that or not grant that. There is pretty much 100% success rate (of granting the deferral).” – Mike Forde
The deferral allows Hamlin’s regular crew to serve the suspension at Kansas Speedway and Charlotte Roval, tracks viewed as less pivotal for building momentum than New Hampshire.
Experienced Substitutes Step In
To fill the gaps, JGR called on two proven performers. Thomas Hatcher, the usual front tire changer for the No. 43 car and an experienced hand from Martin Truex Jr.’s team, will handle tire duties. His career spans Roush Yates, Roush Fenway Racing, Team Penske, and a return to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2021. Hatcher previously worked with Hamlin during a 2022 crew swap and is known for his adaptability.
Substitute pit crew members for the No. 11 car of @dennyhamlin have been assigned.
Front Changer: Thomas Hatcher
Jackman: Nate McBrideThey have been pulled from the No. 4 car of Gragson which is the typical crew that JGR pulls from when they need subs for the house cars. pic.twitter.com/wGgQk69uOu
— Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) September 23, 2025
Nate McBride, a former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker and current jackman for Front Row Motorsports’ No. 4 car, also rejoins Hamlin’s pit box. McBride filled in during the 2022 Coca-Cola 600, a race Hamlin won, proving he can excel under pressure. Their combined experience offers stability despite the late-season shakeup.
Denny Hamlin’s Focus and Playoff Stakes
Throughout the turmoil, Hamlin maintained a calm approach on his Actions Detrimental podcast.
“I have no idea who’s sitting on the bench or who’s ready, and it’s not even my concern… because that’s the crew chief. He handles the people. My concern needs to be on the things that I can control.” – Denny Hamlin
Hamlin emphasized that pit crew execution, especially on road courses like the Roval, can dictate track position and playoff survival.
“Especially on the ROVAL, the pit crew’s execution can make or break your track position. We needed them at full strength.” – Denny Hamlin
With Hamlin leading in points when the penalty was announced, the timing of the deferral reflects strategic thinking aimed at keeping championship hopes intact. Joe Gibbs Racing’s depth, including its extended pit crew network and proven backup assignments, underscores the organization’s ability to adapt quickly.
News in Brief: JGR Shakes Up as Safety Net Expires Ahead of Kansas
Denny Hamlin’s Bristol crash led to a two-race suspension for front tire changer Austin Maloney and jackman Joel-Alexandre Bouagnon. Using NASCAR’s new deferral rule, Joe Gibbs Racing kept them active for New Hampshire and will serve the penalties at Kansas Speedway and Charlotte Roval. Thomas Hatcher and Nate McBride join the No. 11 crew as experienced substitutes, while Hamlin remains focused on performance and playoff goals. Follow NASCAR’s intense playoff battles and see if Hamlin’s strategic crew changes can keep his championship run alive during these crucial races.
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