The NASCAR Playoffs saw heightened drama at New Hampshire as Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs collided during the race, igniting debate and criticism across the motorsport community. The incident has led to harsh Kevin Harvick Loudon crash comments, questioning Hamlin’s actions and their potential impact on the championship run.
Contact Between Teammates Raises Tensions at New Hampshire
The conflict unfolded when Denny Hamlin, aiming to overtake, attempted an outside move on his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Ty Gibbs during the competitive race at New Hampshire. As Hamlin’s No. 11 brushed the rear of Gibbs’ No. 54 car, Gibbs spun into the wall, while Hamlin continued on the track. The crash quickly caught the attention of NASCAR insiders and fans, sparking fierce reactions, particularly given both drivers’ playoff aspirations.
The aftermath was immediate and visible, with Ty Gibbs expressing frustration on social media platforms soon after the incident. The collision not only affected their individual positions in the playoffs, but also raised broader questions about team dynamics within Joe Gibbs Racing and how intra-team disputes can play out when stakes are high. This controversy has drawn criticism from insiders and has intensified the emotional atmosphere around the playoffs.
Kevin Harvick Offers Blunt Critique of Hamlin’s Actions
Veteran NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick was among the most vocal critics, suggesting that the incident could significantly derail Hamlin’s quest for the 2025 championship. Harvick’s strong words prompted a reaction from Ty Gibbs, who shared a portion of Harvick’s comments on his Instagram story, emphasizing his agreement with a pointed gesture.
Is that the moment that derails Denny Hamlin’s 2025 championship?
Kevin Harvick said on Happy Hour podcast (shared by Ty Gibbs on Instagram).
Harvick elaborated further during his podcast remarks, asserting his belief that Hamlin acted deliberately. According to Harvick, Hamlin’s aggressive tactic not only endangered Ty Gibbs, but also could have put Christopher Bell—the other Joe Gibbs Racing contender—at risk. Bell, who was close behind the incident, fortunately escaped involvement and maintained his standing.
That was intentional. There’s no hiding that that wasn’t intentional… You could have wiped out all three of them. That decision now is a decision that you have to talk about next week. It’s a decision that will divide the shop… As mature as Denny Hamlin has become and as much of a leader as he has become, I’m really surprised that he chose that action in that moment during the playoffs.
Kevin Harvick explained.
Harvick openly acknowledged his surprise at Hamlin’s behavior, especially considering Hamlin’s leadership role and experience as a former Cup Series champion. The intensity of Harvick’s critique reflects the overall emotional strain present in the playoffs, as drivers are expected to exercise caution and team commitment in such high-stakes moments.
Implications for Joe Gibbs Racing and the Playoff Landscape
The incident puts team owner Joe Gibbs in a complicated position, as he must address the fallout between Hamlin and his grandson Ty Gibbs. While personal connections exist within the organization, Joe Gibbs is known for his results-oriented approach and is unlikely to be lenient on any driver whose actions threaten the team’s playoff ambitions. The organization now faces internal pressures, with upcoming conversations likely to focus on maintaining unity and discipline as the playoffs continue.
Denny Hamlin, carrying more experience than his younger teammate, is expected to demonstrate leadership in difficult situations. This aggressive incident with Ty Gibbs disrupted not only the relationship between teammates, but also posed a potential risk to the broader team’s success in the championship race. Gibbs’ sharing of Harvick’s sharp comments underlines ongoing friction that management will need to address quickly.
This latest development amplifies the fervor and uncertainty that often characterize the NASCAR Playoffs. Fans, analysts, and the entire Joe Gibbs Racing organization will be watching closely to see how the drivers, particularly Hamlin and Ty Gibbs, handle the aftermath and whether the incident truly shapes the outcome of the championship.
The next weeks will test Joe Gibbs Racing’s resilience and Denny Hamlin’s leadership as both try to steer away from internal discord and toward a strong finish in the postseason. The racing world waits to see if Harvick’s predictions about the consequences of the Loudon crash will materialize for Hamlin’s championship run.
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— Dalton Hopkins (@PitLaneCPT) September 23, 2025
