Joe Gibbs has been there and done that. From winning three Super Bowls as head coach of the Redskins, to achieving glory in the NASCAR world, the 84-year-old has tasted plenty of success over the years. But in a sport defined by fine margins, it’s not just the money, technology, or the equipment that builds a successful organization. It’s the people, and managing drivers can be pretty challenging when the stakes are high.

Gibbs’ success wasn’t just built on horsepower. He founded one of NASCAR’s most successful organizations, produced multiple Cup Series champions, including the likes of Tony Stewart, Bobby Labonte, and Kyle Busch, because of his management skills. Now, the dual Hall of Famer has let in on a big secret, revealing just how he manages one of the toughest acts in motorsports. That is, keeping four fiercely competitive drivers united under one roof.

Joe Gibbs opens up about managing alpha personalities

For Joe Gibbs, running a four-car team in NASCAR’s Cup Series isn’t just about engineering and speed. Rather, it’s about managing people with big ambitions and even bigger expectations. “Over here, we got four teams and the challenge is always trying to get them to work together and if you think about it, each driver’s got their own career, they got their own sponsor and you know it just becomes extremely competitive,” Gibbs said, acknowledging the balancing act required to keep Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Christopher Bell, and Ty Gibbs unified under one banner.

The competition at Joe Gibbs Racing was visible this season, none more telling than the New Hampshire clash between Denny Hamlin, fighting for a playoff spot, and Ty Gibbs, a non-playoff contender. On Lap 109, Gibbs’ aggressive defense (unwarranted) against his teammate led to contact that sent the No. 54 Toyota spinning into the wall, effectively ending his day.

Hamlin, visibly frustrated by the move, heated on the radio, exclaimed, “Does Ty know we’re going for a championship? What the f—?” while Gibbs, climbing from his damaged car, gave Hamlin a sarcastic thumbs up. Afterward, Gibbs quipped to reporters, “We got wrecked there. We’ll go see him next week.” The fallout led to team meetings between Hamlin, Gibbs, and JGR leadership.

Yet, Joe Gibbs views this rivalry as a vital part of progress. “We’re pretty good here, I think, about working our way through them,” he said. “It’s part of sports. Guys are very competitive. They want to make it happen.” And it was evident at the recently-concluded YellaWood 500.

Ty Gibbs played a pivotal role in helping teammate Chase Briscoe capture victory and a championship 4 spot. Running third in the final laps, Gibbs locked bumpers with Briscoe’s Toyota and pushed him past Todd Gilliland down the middle lane, securing a dramatic JGR 1-3 finish. It was an unmistakable show of team unity.

Gibbs sacrificed his own shot at the win to ensure Toyota and JGR triumphed. “Ty Gibbs, incredible teammate there. I would not have won that race without Ty. Just an amazing team effort,” Briscoe acknowledged his teammate’s efforts post-race.

Despite occasional internal friction, JGR consistently remains one of NASCAR’s most dominant teams, boasting multiple titles, wins, and Cup Series milestones. The question is not whether rivalries will emerge. But it’s about how Gibbs continues turning those rivalries into the fuel that drives his empire forward.

Joe Gibbs Racing shines at Talladega

The 2025 YellaWood 500 turned into a showcase for Joe Gibbs Racing as the organization dominated Talladega from start to finish. Chase Briscoe delivered a statement victory, securing his place in the Championship 4 after a gutsy, late-race move through the middle lane sealed the win. Briscoe, who led the final laps and held off Front Row Motorsports’ Todd Gilliland by 0.145 seconds, scored his fifth career Cup victory and second of the playoffs.

“We’re going to Phoenix! So thankful the Lord’s blessed me, opening an incredible door here at Joe Gibbs Racing. I just had such a piece. Normally, I’m a nervous wreck around this place,” he said post-race. Ty Gibbs continued his breakout campaign with an impressive third-place finish, showcasing maturity beyond his years through aggressive but controlled drafting.

The result solidified his place as one of NASCAR’s brightest young stars, keeping his playoff hopes mathematically alive entering Martinsville. Christopher Bell quietly scored another top-10 result, finishing eighth, further proving his consistency in superspeedway races and strengthening JGR’s manufacturer points position.

Denny Hamlin, already locked into the Championship 4 after his Las Vegas win, took a more conservative approach, finishing 24th after spending much of the race managing draft lines and helping his teammates maintain position. Despite the finish, Hamlin’s steady strategy ensured that all four JGR cars finished the race cleanly. A rare feat at Talladega!

The race underscored Gibbs’ earlier comments about teamwork and competitive chemistry within the camp. While each driver has their own goals, Talladega highlighted how JGR’s unified approach can yield dominant results even amid individual ambition. As the playoffs head toward Martinsville and Phoenix, the organization’s collective momentum makes it an undeniable powerhouse in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series.