Following heated incidents involving Ty Gibbs during last Sunday’s NASCAR Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin and his Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) teammates have taken decisive action to resolve the Ty Gibbs NASCAR team conflict. Productive internal discussions led the team to establish a new plan to manage on-track interactions as the season continues.
Hamlin, Teammates Unite After On-Track Tensions
Tensions reached a breaking point after Gibbs, still seeking a spot in the playoffs, impeded teammates Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Hamlin in New Hampshire, prompting strong reactions over the No. 11 team’s radio. The intensity escalated when Hamlin collided with the car of Ty Gibbs—grandson of JGR’s owner—during the second stage, prematurely ending Gibbs’s race in Loudon and sparking calls within Joe Gibbs Racing for clearer guidance regarding racing conduct for the remainder of the season.
After ongoing discussions, Hamlin publicly addressed the meetings held to address team friction and set clearer ground rules. On Saturday, September 27, he revealed that the sessions had been constructive for all involved.
“I think they’re in a good place, we had productive meetings, the guts of that will have to be confidential,” Denny Hamlin said (via Peter Stratta).
“All the drivers did speak and have an opportunity to come up with a plan, I think we came up with one,” Hamlin added as per Peter Stratta.
Hamlin also acknowledged that emotions escalated in New Hampshire, describing his own frustration after he and Gibbs collided on Lap 110. The incident sent Gibbs spinning into the SAFER barrier, resulting in a 35th-place finish and significant disappointment. In a gesture highlighting accountability, Hamlin expressed regret for how he handled his emotions during the high-pressure moment.
Disciplinary Actions Impact No. 11 Team
Amid these team adjustments, Hamlin’s challenges extend beyond driver communication. Two key No. 11 crew members—jackman Joel Bouagnon and front tire changer Austin Maloney—are facing suspensions. Punished after a wheel detached from Hamlin’s car at Bristol Raceway, both will miss the next two Cup races, with the penalties set to cover events at Kansas Speedway and the Charlotte Roval. JGR delayed the enforcement of the suspensions by a week to ensure team adaptation, but the crew now prepares to operate with replacements during this crucial stretch of the NASCAR playoffs.
Hamlin Stays Focused Despite Pit Crew Changes
Assessing the upcoming races, Hamlin remains undeterred by the temporary loss of regular pit crew members. As teams ready themselves for the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, Hamlin, currently ranked fifth in the Cup standings and 27 points above the playoff cutline, continues to maintain perspective on what he can and cannot control.
“[Denny Hamlin] calls his anxiety level ok with two new pit crew members, but he’s only worrying about what he can control.”
Hamlin carries a history of strong performances at Kansas, having claimed four career wins at the 1.5-mile speedway, most recently in spring 2023. In his recent four Kansas starts, he has finished in the top 10 three times, demonstrating both speed and consistency at this track. Earlier this season, he qualified 14th for the AdventHealth 400, but his race was cut short by clutch issues, forcing him to retire after only 196 laps.
Looking Ahead for Joe Gibbs Racing
The developments from recent team meetings seek to stabilize JGR as the Cup Series season intensifies, particularly with the playoff field in view and Ty Gibbs still searching for a berth. The team’s actions—both in outlining new internal protocols and adapting to significant pit crew suspensions—underscore Joe Gibbs Racing’s commitment to cohesion and performance under pressure.
With Hamlin’s leadership and willingness to address team dynamics openly, JGR hopes to minimize further internal conflict and focus on the collective goal of on-track success as the season unfolds. All eyes are on Kansas Speedway this weekend, where the impact of these changes will begin to show as JGR and its drivers pursue playoff advancement and resolve in the midst of ongoing challenges.
"All the drivers did speak and have an opportunity to come up with a plan, I think we came up with one"#NASCAR
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) September 27, 2025
