The Denny Hamlin New Hampshire clash became the focal point of intense debate after a dramatic incident during the race at NH, where Ty Gibbs of Joe Gibbs Racing pushed Hamlin into the wall, causing significant disruption. The heated exchange left Hamlin finishing in 12th place and sparked criticism, as Hamlin continues his championship pursuit while Gibbs, not in contention, drew the ire of fans and fellow team members for his aggressive move.
During the critical stage of the race, Ty Gibbs aggressively attempted to pass Denny Hamlin for the 11th spot. Hamlin, mindful of his championship aspirations, approached the contest with caution, while Ty took a much riskier approach, disregarding the team’s overall plan. The confrontation between the two resulted in a crash for Gibbs and a disappointing 12th place finish for Hamlin, raising questions about discipline and decision-making within Joe Gibbs Racing.
Denny Hamlin openly questioned whether team owner Joe Gibbs, who is also Ty’s grandfather, was too apprehensive to discuss Ty’s conduct behind the wheel. Hamlin remarked,
“What is he [Ty Gibbs] doing? Are they afraid to talk to him? That’s what I feel like. They’re just scared of him.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver
This statement points toward potential internal challenges at Joe Gibbs Racing regarding how they manage their up-and-coming driver’s errors on the track.
Kyle Petty Weighs In on Ty Gibbs’ Approach
Kyle Petty, respected former driver and current NASCAR analyst, shared his perspective on the situation, echoing many of Hamlin’s sentiments. On GoPRNLive’s Fast Talk, Petty highlighted concerns about the way the team is handling Ty Gibbs, emphasizing the need for more direct guidance.
“I understand that from Denny. I do understand that because what Denny’s saying is that that is Ty on such a pedestal that everybody’s afraid to tell them that the emperor has no clothes? Okay? Because that’s what you need to tell him. You need to tell him, ‘Learn to drive a race car, and then maybe you’ll win some races.”
– Kyle Petty, NASCAR Analyst
Petty acknowledged Ty Gibbs’ considerable talent but stressed its misuse during critical moments. He explained,
“Because he is a phenomenal talent. He does have that talent. He just doesn’t put it in the right places at the right time. That’s the problem.”
– Kyle Petty, NASCAR Analyst
The veteran analyst also suggested that Hamlin’s response provided an important teaching moment for Gibbs:
“You have to learn how to race. And Ty, I believe in a lot of ways, is still learning how to race. And Denny gave him a lesson [at Loudon]. I’m not saying it was the right lesson, but Denny taught him a lesson.”
– Kyle Petty, NASCAR Analyst
Potential Impact on Joe Gibbs Racing’s Future
The incident not only highlights strained relations between teammates but also underscores ongoing challenges at Joe Gibbs Racing as they attempt to balance the development of a young driver with defending a championship contender’s interests. Team dynamics are being tested as Ty Gibbs’ learning curve continues to influence on-track performance and overall team strategy.
Petty addressed the broader implications for the organization, noting how much had been expected of Ty Gibbs since his strong Xfinity Series performance:
“No, this is his last year. If he’s run three years and hadn’t done any more, but especially coming off his Xfinity record. You are looking at a blue chip player that you thought was going to carry your organization forward, and he’s not taking your organization forward.”
– Kyle Petty, NASCAR Analyst
The aftermath of the Denny Hamlin New Hampshire clash will likely prompt serious discussions within Joe Gibbs Racing regarding mentorship, communication, and the future roles of both Hamlin and Gibbs. The team must find a way to capitalize on Ty Gibbs’ obvious abilities while ensuring team objectives—and, most importantly, their drivers’ championship hopes—remain intact amidst growing pressure and scrutiny.
