In the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, Denny Hamlin has solidified his status as a championship contender, securing five wins and three poles across 28 starts, ranking him first in points with 3,034. In contrast, Joe Gibbs’ grandson and Hamlin’s teammate, Ty Gibbs, despite his Rookie of the Year honors in 2023, has faced challenges this season, with no wins or poles and an average finish of 17.3. Their differing performances have added layers of tension to their interactions on the track.

Throughout the season, Hamlin and Gibbs have had several on-track encounters. In the 2023 EchoPark Automotive 400 at Texas, on Lap 77, as both drivers exited pit road, Gibbs made contact with Hamlin’s car, causing significant damage to Hamlin’s right side and forcing Gibbs to retire from the race. These incidents have contributed to a growing rivalry, with analysts closely watching their interactions in subsequent races, and this time, that tension boiled over once again on the track.

Tensions explode between JGR teammates at NHMS

During the Mobil 1 301 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, a notable incident occurred on Lap 111 of 301, involving Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs. Hamlin tapped the left rear quarter panel of Ty Gibbs’s No. 54 Toyota, sending Gibbs spinning into the outside wall. The incident occurred midway through the 2nd Stage as Gibbs attempted to slide up in front of Hamlin, frustrating the veteran driver while he and Christopher Bell battled for position. Fans watching live could hear Hamlin on the radio, frustrated and incredulous: “WHAT THE F–K IS HE DOING?”

The intensity of the moment was palpable as Hamlin‘s voice echoed over the radio, expressing the disbelief that comes when a teammate’s actions cross the line of what is considered fair racing. The fallout didn’t end with the wreck itself. Ty Gibbs, visibly frustrated, aired his grievances on the radio, saying, “This is hilarious. I wish I could just spin this guy out and break myself away from this thing.”

Not just that, Gibbs then said a cold “Game on,” illustrating the thin line between competitive fire and amusement that drivers often navigate in the heat of battle.

Hamlin, meanwhile, tried to rationalize the incident and assess the mindset of his competitors, remarking on his No. 11 radio, “Balance is OK. Are they afraid to talk to him? That’s what I feel like. They’re scared of him.” Hamlin and Bell are among the 12 playoff drivers remaining in the championship hunt. JGR‘s Chase Briscoe is also still in the playoff contention, while Gibbs failed to make it. When asked about his clash with Hamlin, Gibbs replied, “It’s unfortunate. But, I’m excited to go race next week.”

Ty Gibbs has a history of controversial on-track incidents with teammates, most notably during the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity season when he wrecked Brandon Jones while competing for the win, effectively denying Jones a Championship 4 spot. The move drew heavy criticism, and Gibbs’ nonchalant post-race interviews did little to quell the backlash.

Now, in his third full-time Cup season, Gibbs is still seeking his first victory. Just last week at Bristol, he led over 200 laps and was a strong contender for the win, only to make an unforced error while attempting to pit under green.

Denny Hamlin’s caution amid JGR’s playoff surge

Despite Joe Gibbs Racing’s dominance in the Round of 16, Denny Hamlin remains cautious. He highlighted that even though teammates like Christopher Bell rebounded with a win at Bristol and Ty Gibbs led 201 laps before late-race troubles, “But we reset every round, guys.” Hamlin emphasizes that success in the earlier stages doesn’t guarantee a Championship 4 appearance at Phoenix Raceway.

Hamlin is aware of the threat from Team Penske, whose drivers often perform in clutch moments. “So we’ve seen someone not talked about all year win the race, win the championship. That’s just where it is. I understand it’s a great narrative and I’m very, very happy for JGR…but in one race, who knows? We gotta get there first. And these next two rounds have some bumpy racetracks,” he said. His comments underline the unpredictable nature of the playoffs and the challenge of maintaining consistency.

The No. 11 team’s pit crew penalties and changes add another layer of uncertainty for Hamlin. While JGR shows strong form, he recognizes that championship contention requires flawless execution under pressure. “The championship runs through Phoenix, it doesn’t run through JGR…One race, and anything can happen, anything at all,” he reflected. Hamlin’s measured skepticism signals the careful mindset of a veteran aiming to balance optimism with realism.