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JGR Faces Internal Strain After Hamlin–Gibbs Clash as Kansas Looms

Joe Gibbs is leaving resolution to his drivers despite Denny Hamlin’s push for clearer in‑house etiquette.

Overview

  • On Lap 109/110 at New Hampshire, Denny Hamlin’s contact sent teammate Ty Gibbs into the outside wall during a fight for 11th place.
  • Hamlin later said non‑playoff teammates should not be the toughest to pass and asked Joe Gibbs Racing to restate expectations for yielding.
  • Team owner Joe Gibbs downplayed the need for intervention, and competition director Chris Gabehart said etiquette will be addressed internally and disputed that Hamlin acted intentionally.
  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. criticized Gibbs’ team play, Kevin Harvick labeled the hit intentional, and Gibbs responded with a radio “Game on” and a social post amplifying Harvick’s critique.
  • With Kansas next in the Round of 12, JGR’s cohesion is in question as Team Penske drivers publicly highlight a race‑hard‑without‑wrecking standard.