Sunday’s Las Vegas race was all about fathers and sons. As Denny Hamlin won his record 60th Cup Series win, which punched his ticket into the Championship 4, he dedicated this big one to his ailing father, failing to fight back tears in victory lane. Reflecting on the dynamic, Hamlin couldn’t help but be grateful; he said, “I’ve got two dads. One is at home and one is here,” while referring to team owner Joe Gibbs. But in reality, it was Joe Gibbs’ late son who was responsible for Hamlin’s now nearly two-decade relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing.

JD Gibbs was the one who spotted something special in Denny Hamlin. A late-model test in the early 2000s sealed Hamlin’s fate forever. JD Gibbs ventured out to find JGR’s next big star and was impressed by the young driver’s skill and composure; JD urged his father, Joe Gibbs, to take a chance on Denny. And since then, Hamlin has remained loyal to Joe Gibbs Racing, making all 719 of his Cup Series starts with the team.

JD was the one to discover Hamlin

Reflecting on Hamlin’s masterful playoff bid, The Coach couldn’t help but remember and credit his late son. In a media availability post-race, he said, “And so I just think for him there won’t be a lot of talking about it because he knows everything’s at stake in this. This has been his life. This is all he’s wanted to do — race cars. And when JD found him… when JD found him racing late models, JD gets a lot of the credit because he put Denny in a test. He put him in a truck. He put him in an Xfinity car. And finally, he said to me, ‘I think we need to sign this guy.'”

Denny Hamlin’s deep honor and respect for JD Gibbs has never died. In fact, the No. 11 driver, who had missed the inaugural Mexico race this year, named his now 5-month-old son in loving memory of the JD, calling his son Jameson Drew, whose initials are JD.

Moreover, after JD’s passing, Hamlin honored his memory with an emotional tribute following his 2019 Daytona 500 victory. That win transcended the usual celebrations; it wasn’t just a triumph on the track but a deeply moving moment that united and uplifted the entire Joe Gibbs Racing family.

Reflecting on Hamlin’s heartwarming gesture, Joe Gibbs himself found a slight quiver in his voice, getting emotional and adding, “And so that’s part of it, too. I just really appreciate that. And the fact that JD’s memory and everything kind of lives on. Denny put JD over the door with his name, and Denny’s kid is — his little boy now — is JD. So all of that, it gets emotional, really. I think the race at Daytona after JD went to be with the Lord is probably, for me, the greatest sporting event I was ever in — for our family and everybody. And I think God’s hand was on that race. And so Denny’s a big part of that history with JD, too.”

“I never could imagine going through what Joe has gone through. Fathers are not supposed to bury sons, you know. That’s kind of the wrong way,” said Hamlin, in his post-race comments, dedicating his victory to his team and family.

And what a history to be part of! Denny Hamlin has had quite a rollercoaster in the playoffs, especially this season. From his run-in with Joe Gibbs’ grandson, Ty, to trading paint with Bubba Wallace in New Hampshire to the controversial “race manipulation” accusation amid his wreck with Ross Chastain, Hamlin has been through it all.

But no one can take away this weekend from the 44-year-old. Starting from the pole, Hamlin continuously stayed in contention throughout the race, leading just nine laps. No one can take away the strong bond, the highs and lows that his team has endured; no one can take away his Joe Gibbs family from him, and Hamlin knows that all too well.

But heading into Phoenix, Hamlin and crew are going to tread as carefully as possible. And now with just one race away for him, his No. 11 team will do anything to get the long-awaited cup title.

Denny Hamlin’s crew chief opens up about the mindset to deliver Hamlin his elusive Cup title

As Joe Gibbs Racing took center stage in Las Vegas, locking the team into the Championship 4, the mood in the garage was equal parts relief and determination as crew chief Chris Gayle opened up about strategy, preparation, and what it means to stand one race away from NASCAR glory.

For Gayle, it is uncharted territory, his first trip to the Championship 4. “I haven’t been to the Championship 8 before this even… There’s a plan in place. I know what I’ll do. I wasn’t sure this was an option,” he admitted, half in awe and half in focus.

Gone are the days of building and tweaking; this new era is all about simulations, data, and razor-sharp planning to make Phoenix as smooth as possible.

As for Hamlin, the driver who has come agonizingly close to a title more times than fans can count, mindset is everything. Gayle knows there is no secret source, just grit and preparation.

With quiet conviction, he said, “We’re going to do everything we can, leave it there in Phoenix. Whatever happens happens. Then we’re going to do everything on the frontside to get ready. I don’t know that I have the magic formula related to that, other than bring the fastest car I can, which is how I’ve approached all year.”

With eyes set on the elusive championship and a milestone 60th career win, Hamlin’s experience and composure have become the backbone of this team’s little bit. This isn’t just another playoff run; it’s a redemption season for the No. 11 camp.