Hamlin and Gibbs: Tension at Joe Gibbs Racing after on-track incident

Tension at Joe Gibbs Racing: Hamlin and Gibbs Resolve Their Differences

Kansas City, Kan. – Following last week’s incident between teammates Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs, calm has returned to Joe Gibbs Racing. The on-track crash, sparked by an apparent disagreement over race strategy, generated controversy within the team. Hamlin, who is competing in the playoffs in search of his first Cup championship, and Gibbs, grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, had contact on the track that led Hamlin to question team orders over the radio.

“I definitely got too heated and went too far,” Hamlin admitted.

Denny Hamlin

Hamlin revealed that there was a meeting this week where everyone involved could express their opinions. The three-time Daytona 500 champion acknowledged that his actions were not the most appropriate. Christopher Bell, also a member of Joe Gibbs Racing, indicated that the message about how Toyota drivers should compete with each other at this stage of the season was clear. “We shouldn’t crash. That was very clear and obviously wrong and I hope it doesn’t happen again,” Bell stated.

Meanwhile, Chase Briscoe, another JGR driver, secured his seventh pole position of the year, leading the starting grid in Kansas on Sunday. Briscoe will share the front row with Hamlin.

Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports believes it’s right for Briscoe and Hamlin to race cleanly at the start of the race. Larson pointed out that Gibbs was too aggressive with a title contender who was also his teammate. “I think ultimately, if you’re competing for a win, you’re competing for a win,” Larson said. “You’re never going to give up a Cup win for a teammate. But I think if you’re running in the middle of the pack in a stage, yes, that expectation should be followed.” Larson added that the expectations on how Hendrick’s drivers should compete with each other are clearly defined and are evident on the track every week. He mentioned examples of teamwork and support among teammates. The expectation is that the situation between Hamlin and Gibbs will improve, following the conversations held during the week.