Denny Hamlin analyzes Ty Gibbs’ choices during the chaotic conclusion of the recent Talladega race, revealing why the young Joe Gibbs Racing driver found himself with limited options late in the battle. These insights come as drivers and teams reflect on an electrifying Yellawood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, where split-second decisions dramatically shaped the outcome.
Inside Gibbs’ Decisions During the Final Laps at Talladega
In one of NASCAR’s most unpredictable finishes, Denny Hamlin shared his perspective on Ty Gibbs’ positioning as the field thundered toward the finish at Talladega. Gibbs, representing Joe Gibbs Racing, encountered a dilemma with team strategies clashing and critical moves unfolding in the race’s final moments. With Chase Briscoe and Bubba Wallace directly ahead, and his path tightening, Gibbs struggled to find an ideal line, leaving him out of options to make a contest for victory.
The final stage of the Yellawood 500 saw six drivers vying for the win, turning every lap into a spectacle of collaboration and calculated risk. Momentum shifted rapidly: Kyle Larson, who had been leading in overtime, ran out of fuel, forcing him out of contention. This opened the door for other contenders, including Briscoe and Wallace, who found themselves wheel-to-wheel with Gibbs trailing closely behind.
Both Chase Briscoe and Ty Gibbs attempted a move on the inside as the laps wound down, but it was the #19 car—piloted by Briscoe—that boldly surged ahead, relegating Gibbs to third on the track. The intensity of the moment was underscored by the sheer unpredictability on display among leading drivers like Larson, Wallace, and Briscoe, as well as the environment provided by Talladega’s high-speed, wide-open racing.
Speaking about the situation, Hamlin candidly addressed the constraints facing Gibbs in those decisive seconds.
“It’s good to see and he was definitely boxed in there,”
Hamlin stated about Gibbs’ situation and how he was left with no other option. I don’t think he had a lot of options, but he had the option when the #19 pulled out, and that was to either stay straight or go with the #23 or push the #19.” — Denny Hamlin, Driver
Hamlin expanded on the difficulty drivers face at such moments at Talladega, noting,
“It’s so 50/50 on which lane he was going to push the best. All it takes is person, and that top line to pull out and go three wide, and I’m telling you folks, you can’t, you can’t imagine at home,”
Hamlin further added in the recent Actions Detrimental podcast by Dirty Mo Media. — Denny Hamlin, Driver
Chase Briscoe’s Win and Talladega Shockers
Chase Briscoe ultimately snatched the victory, narrowly crossing the finish ahead of Todd Gilliland. This win was pivotal, as it locked Briscoe into the coveted Championship 4, an achievement made more satisfying alongside the strong showing from his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Denny Hamlin. Briscoe’s performance confirms his credentials as a top contender for this year’s championship, and his maneuvering in the closing laps highlighted the razor-thin margins that separate triumph from heartbreak at a venue like Talladega Superspeedway.
Ty Gibbs Opens Up on His Approach and Teammate Dynamics
After the checkered flag, Ty Gibbs reflected on the intense battle and his role as both a competitor and teammate. Throughout the race, he demonstrated the speed to compete for the lead, emerging from an 18th-place starting spot to take the win in Stage 1 and closing Stage 2 in fourth. In the final tally, Gibbs finished third, just ahead of Bubba Wallace. He expressed a blend of satisfaction and disappointment, emphasizing his commitment to helping his team while pushing for his own success.
“It was my best shot to win and just try to make myself go into the best possible position to win, so happy to help (Chase Briscoe) get into the final 4. I wish we could’ve won that one. We were really fast today. We won Stage 1, and Briscoe won Stage 2, and we both were close there for the win. I’m happy for that team. Just being a great teammate out here doing the teammate thing. I’m happy for them. I hope they can go and win it. I’d like to see them do that.”
— Ty Gibbs, Driver
Gibbs’ words point to the often-complex web of obligations and ambitions drivers navigate, especially when teammates are directly involved in the fight for victory on racing’s biggest stages. His performance, and Briscoe’s win, have a direct impact on the Championship 4 lineup, reinforcing the pressure and opportunities that NASCAR’s playoff system brings to every late-season event.
What These Results Mean Going Forward in NASCAR’s Season
The aftermath of Talladega’s Yellawood 500 brings significant implications for teams and drivers as the NASCAR season advances toward its climax. Denny Hamlin’s breakdown of Ty Gibbs’ strategy offers fans a greater appreciation for the fine margins facing drivers under pressure. Meanwhile, Briscoe’s dramatic last-lap pass not only secured his place in the Championship 4 but shifted momentum at a crucial point in the season.
As the championship picture sharpens, names like Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Ty Gibbs, Kyle Larson, and Bubba Wallace continue to feature prominently. With events like the NASCAR All-Star race on the horizon and every point critical, the drama seen at Talladega is likely only a taste of what’s to come before the season’s end.
From wide open to dead-a** backwards in a split second 😬
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