Denny Hamlin, a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), acknowledged that he may have overstepped during the recent race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway against teammate Ty Gibbs. This incident became a focal point at a JGR drivers’ meeting, attended by team co-owners Joe Gibbs and Heather Gibbs. Hamlin admitted to getting too heated and expressed regret over the situation.
During the race, Hamlin felt that Gibbs was racing too aggressively in pursuit of 11th position, despite Hamlin and Christopher Bell being faster. This led to Hamlin nudging Gibbs’ vehicle, causing it to crash into the wall, ultimately ending Gibbs’ race. Hamlin remarked post-race that Gibbs seems to struggle with understanding racing strategy distances. Despite being a JGR driver, Ty Gibbs is not in the playoffs, which complicates the dynamics since he is the team owner’s grandson.
Following the incident, a meeting was held to address how JGR drivers should interact on the track. The discussions were deemed productive, although details remain confidential. The emphasis was on crafting a strategy that prevents similar incidents and promotes teamwork.
Chase Briscoe, another JGR driver, praised owner Joe Gibbs for his leadership skills, noting his history of success both in NFL and NASCAR. Briscoe highlighted that productive teamwork, as exemplified by the Penske team, is critical to success. He believes that the conversation set a direction for the future, emphasizing a collaborative approach.
Christopher Bell and other drivers have also recognized the need for change. Bell emphasized avoiding teammate collisions and fostering a mutually beneficial environment. Hamlin shared on his podcast that rivals have adapted better teamwork, citing Ross Chastain who allowed Hamlin to pass due to strategy, illustrating an understanding of the bigger picture.
Briscoe concluded that uncomfortable conversations like these often lead to positive change. This episode stands as a reminder of the importance of cooperation and strategy in a high-stakes sport like NASCAR. The meeting hints at smoother racing dynamics within JGR as they look to strengthen their approach towards future races.