Denny Hamlin Pledges Allegiance Away From Joe Gibbs Amid Contract Negotiations

Ty Gibbs and Bubba Wallace are in a straight fight for a playoff berth. However, The 23XI Racing driver currently holds the 16th and the final playoff spot ahead of Ty Gibbs in 17th with a 32-point lead. So, if the final regular season race in Daytona doesn’t produce a new race winner, it will be a straight-up points battle between Wallace and Gibbs. However, both drivers are closely related to JGR star driver Denny Hamlin. After all, Wallace is the driver for his co-owned team and Ty Gibbs is his teammate and the grandson of his boss Joe Gibbs.

NASCAR is about to see sparks fly both on and off the track. Amid contract negotiations with Joe Gibbs Racing, Denny Hamlin is making his allegiance known to everyone. Although considering the circumstances surrounding his contract, it would be wise if Hamlin stands in support of Ty Gibbs. But it all comes down to the role (driver/owner) that Hamlin would choose over the other.

Denny Hamlin is all set to help Bubba Wallace at Daytona

In a candid twist, Hamlin disclosed on his podcast that, despite ongoing discussions, his primary focus remains on backing Bubba Wallace in Daytona. This move is significant given the context of the playoff battle and the connections at play. Andrew Kurland, Travis Rockhold, and Dalton Greco of ‘Dirty Mo Media’ have provided varying perspectives on Hamlin’s stance to help Wallace.

In a recent YouTube clip, Andrew, Travis, and Dalton were discussing Hamlin’s statement on Wallace and Ty Gibbs. “[Hamlin] even said it on Actions Detrimental. If you’re lined up with Ty Gibbs or Bubba, he’s helping Bubba all the way,” said Andrew.

“He said he’s pushing Bubba, he goes Ty [Gibbs] has got plenty of time, he’s young… Anyway, Jared doesn’t think that he’s gonna help Bubba,” Travis added.

Speaking of how pushing a driver can end up messing up the race for both drivers, Dalton said, “Pushing isn’t… I understand pushing is like referring to help. But pushing isn’t necessarily a lock. Like we’ve seen a lot of people pushing, get wild and that’s taking a risk into your hand with the car in front of you. You know, you can hook up wrong. You could hit him going to the wrong part of the corner and send him off, cause a big one. I mean it’s not just like a lock to push them forward.”

READ MORE: After Joe Gibbs’ Grandson’ Punchgate Fiasco, Denny Hamlin Calls Out Dale Jr’s Prodigy’s Intentional Move

“Here’s the other thing too,” Travis added. “If Denny is able to push Bubba. If they get it going, he can then get out in front of Ty [Gibbs] and potentially race for the win himself if Bubba isn’t able to get something. So I think it’s also strategic I think to make that move.”

As the curtain prepares to fall on the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series regular season, the racing world braces itself for a thrilling climax at the Daytona International Speedway. However, Denny Hamlin has not stayed away from making his own spicy prediction about the final race.

Hamlin predicts a crash-fest at Daytona

Trending

Despite 2023 Disaster, Chase Elliott Risks Angering Rick Hendrick by Choosing Alex Bowman’s HMS Banned Tactic

What Is Left of Denny Hamlin’s Depleting Core After Having to Deal With a Nearly $70 Billion Loss?

NASCAR Rumors: Corey LaJoie’s Cup Future Dependent on ‘$’ Amid Rick Ware’s Hopes of Tony Stewart’s SHR Replay

NASCAR Rumor: Handed $25,000 Fine, Xfinity Star Could Replace Chevy’s Rejected Prodigy

“To the Death”: Kyle Busch Offers Martin Truex Jr. a Rare Alliance to Survive ‘Hunger Games of NASCAR’

The regular season’s grand finale promises not only the final playoffs contender but also a potential “crash-fest,” as Hamlin puts it. The high-octane atmosphere has set the stage for an exhilarating spectacle. Hamlin’s prediction about the race being a crash-fest stems from the intense aggression and strategic maneuvering that superspeedway racing is known for.

So, his experience and insights into the evolving dynamics of the sport lend weight to his forecast. With the pressure to secure a playoff spot and a victory driving the field, Hamlin’s expectations might not be far from reality. Here’s how he put his prediction into words.

“Superspeedway racing is different than it used to be. We’ve talked about this a billion times. Everyone’s going to try and go right from lap one. I do think that this is going to be just an absolute crash-fest. I think that the pushes are going to get too extreme.”

While Hamlin might foresee chaos, he’s one of the few drivers likely to approach the race with a measured strategy. The intensity of the competition is expected to be exceptionally high. Also, the drivers will scramble for that coveted playoff spot or an automatic victory. As Hamlin contemplates the race, it’s evident that the dynamics of survival and strategy will create a spectacle that fans and drivers alike won’t forget easily. For now, fans eagerly await to witness whether Hamlin’s allegiance will impact the playoff dynamics.

Watch This Story | Amid Denny Hamlin’s Lingering Future Saga, Dale Earnhardt Jr Issues Stern Warning for Joe Gibbs Racing