Denny Hamlin acknowledged his frustrations following a controversial incident with teammate Ty Gibbs during last week’s race at New Hampshire. The clash, which resulted in Hamlin wrecking Gibbs, has sparked discussions within Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) as the team prepares for crucial playoff races.
Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 champion currently competing for his first Cup Series title, expressed his feelings during a team meeting ahead of the middle race at Kansas Speedway. He noted that his emotions got the better of him, stating, “I definitely got too hot under the collar, and it went too far on my end.” His comments came after expressing concerns over whether the team was too hesitant to give orders to the younger Gibbs, who is not eligible for this year’s championship.
The incident drew attention not just for its on-track implications but also for how it reflects the dynamics within JGR. Hamlin’s teammate, Christopher Bell, emphasized that the expectations for how teammates should race each other, especially during the playoff season, are clear. “We shouldn’t wreck each other. That was very clear and blatantly wrong and hopefully doesn’t happen again,” Bell stated, reinforcing the importance of mutual respect among teammates.
As the playoffs progress, there are only six races left to determine the Cup champion. JGR driver Chase Briscoe, who secured his seventh pole of the season, will lead the field at Kansas, starting alongside Hamlin. Briscoe’s pole position marks the highest number achieved in a single season since Kyle Busch in 2017.
The incident has led to discussions beyond just Hamlin and Gibbs. Fellow competitor Kyle Larson weighed in, suggesting that while racing for a win is paramount, there should be an understanding among teammates, especially during less critical phases of a race. “If you’re running mid-pack in a stage, that expectation should be followed,” Larson remarked, highlighting the unspoken teamwork evident in competitive racing.
As race day approaches, expectations will be high for JGR drivers to maintain a collaborative spirit while still pursuing personal victories. Hamlin’s candid acknowledgment of his actions indicates a willingness to learn from the situation, which could ultimately benefit the team in their quest for the championship.
