USA Today via Reuters
Feb 20, 2022; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) drafts with driver Kyle Busch (18) during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 20, 2022; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) drafts with driver Kyle Busch (18) during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Ahead of the NASCAR Cup race at the Texas Motor Speedway, Joe Gibbs Racing pulled off a surprising move. To be exact, they elected to swap a few crew members between Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch. It can be argued that Busch’s crew is one of the best, and with him out of Playoff contention, they want to give Hamlin a chance. In light of this, Hamlin spoke about the swap and the backlash that followed.
He said, “It’s certainly tough for those guys. I love their attitudes, swagger, and all that about my #11 team. Certainly, we had to do something different, and the results at the end of the day were tough. This is kind of a JGR decision and they felt like this is the best avenue to getting the quickest results in the shortest amount of time. Just replace the entire team versus one person or the other.”
READ MORE: “Pulling a Hendrick Motorsports” – JGR Slammed for “Sh*t” Kyle Busch Move in Denny Hamlin Swap
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Was JGR justified in swapping Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch’s crews?
On one hand, the move makes sense because Hamlin is in championship contention. So the team obviously wanted to give him every opportunity to try and clinch the title. Considering that he has never won a Cup Series title, Hamlin will be extra motivated, and JGR wants to be the one to guide him to that elusive title.
So now we know why they wanted kyle to be out.. it’s all coming together
— Evan Gibson (@EvanG959) September 19, 2022
Wow, sounds like there trying to give Kyle a huge bad send-off, first questionable blowing engines,seems like they wanna do him dirty since switch to Chevy. He doesn't deserve that shame Joe Gibbs has gone down hill fast .
— Deepsix0069 (@deepsix0069) September 19, 2022
Pulling a @TeamHendrick from 2010, I see.
— Jon Iaccino (@ji711) September 19, 2022
On the other end of the spectrum, conspiracy theorists will probably think that this is JGR’s way of revenge against Busch. Earlier this month, the 2-time Cup Series champion announced that he was joining Richard Childress Racing. So the conspiracy theorists cannot be blamed for thinking that Joe Gibbs wanted to be petty, and we’re not talking about Richard Petty.
USA Today via Reuters
May 9, 2021; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) and Denny Hamlin (11) race in front of William Bryon (24) during the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
JGR and Toyota have betrayed the driver who made them relevant. So sad
— Josh C (@joshc018) September 19, 2022
AND THERE IT IS. Coincidence they made sure he didn't make it to the next round? I think not
— Radar1107 (@radar1854) September 19, 2022
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Wow. They really are giving Kyle Busch the shit stuff
— Luke Smith (1-1) (@xLukeSmithx) September 19, 2022
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Considering that Busch also had a few problems in the last couple of races, leading to his elimination. Adding to that, that the retirements came after his RCR announcement, is a coincidence. However, the more rational people will want to think that Busch is going through a simple rough patch. Unfortunately, it also means that his Joe Gibbs Racing swansong is in jeopardy.
