2023 might have been another rough year for Denny Hamlin, but that doesn’t mean his crew members can’t have fun! As the search for the elusive trophy continues for the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran, there is always room for some sarcasm and humor in the garage area for the No.11 team. They certainly haven’t lost their spirits, as was evident from a video that recently surfaced online.

A witty interaction between interior mechanic and tire specialist Matthew Philpott, and crew chief Chris Gabehart succeeded in eliciting quite a few giggles.

Chris Gabehart asks fans to choose better people to take advice from

Chris Gabehart is a fun man to work with. The crew chief who has been at JGR since late-2010s, can be credited for all of the amazing and, sometimes, not-so-amazing Denny Hamlin races on the track. However, leaving that on-track persona behind, the man is a master of sarcasm, it seems.

An Instagram reel recently shared by Joe Gibbs Racing’s official handle showed a fun back-and-forth between Philpott and Gabehart. As Philpott was seen explaining the various aspects of tire management, Gabehart suddenly and hilariously interrupted the man, looked straight into the camera, and quipped, “You guys know who this is, right? Are you listening to him for advice? On tires?”

But perhaps Philpott is already aware of his crew chief’s regular antics because he could be heard mouthing an, “Oh God,” with a sigh. Instigating this reaction from Philpott, the #11 crew chief continued, “Tell them what you know. They’re black, and they’re round. Goodyear on the side. After that, he ain’t your guy. Carry on.”

As Gabehart swiftly exited the screen, he left a trail of laughs from everyone on and off the camera. Perhaps humor is how the #11 team is dealing with yet another miss of the Cup title.

That being said, all’s well in the JGR garage, as the cohesive bond between Denny Hamlin and his crew members has not taken a hit. With names like Matthew Philpott and Chris Gabehart siding with #11, the veteran will surely be looking for a better 2024 season. Philpott, a former Richard Childress Racing crew member has been a knowledgeable addition to the team and is one of the people responsible for the blink-and-you’ll-miss pit stops at JGR. Philpott has also featured in the prestigious Snowball Derby-winning team with Derek Thorn last year. He has been a regular visitor to the Hickory Motor Speedway as well.

As for Gabehart, he has been the orchestrator for Hamlin’s race strategy since 2019. Having strategized for the likes of Ryan Preece, Erik Jones, and Daniel Suarez, he has made a name for himself among some of the best active crew chiefs in the Cup Series. And as we can see, he adds some much-needed humor to the team as well.

The relationship between Gabehart and Philpott often involves pulling each other’s legs in a funny manner. The comic sequences that ensue within the team often act as a deterrent to Denny Hamlin’s anguish in the title race.

Going into 2024, Denny Hamlin has even earned a strange record that could be termed unwanted. The statistic not only reflects his frustration but also how luck has evaded him all his career.

Read More: “Can’t Be Bullsh*tting People”- Dale Earnhardt Jr Reveals How Denny Hamlin Slip-Up Jeopardised Podcast Aspiration

Denny Hamlin and his bizarre record in the Cup Series

Trending

Reality Struck Shane van Gisbergen Has His Playoffs Chances Cut Short Even Before His Full Time Debut in 2025

NASCAR Fans Left Praying as Town of the “World’s Fastest 1/2 Mile” Declared a Site of “Mass Casualty”

NASCAR Fans Back Kyle Busch’s Son’s Desperate Plea Amidst Denny Hamlin’s ‘Bad Luck’ Reluctance

Joe Gibbs Racing Potentially Blocking Truck Series Phenom on Denny Hamlin’s Radar After On-Track Bad Blood

“My Body Needed Time”: Tony Stewart’s Wife, Leah, Discloses Her Roadblocks to Motherhood Amid Racing Dilemma

The championship drought continues for Denny Hamlin. Among the current crop of active drivers in the Cup, none with over ten race wins under their belts have yet to win the championship, except Hamlin, who is still waiting, despite garnering 51 race wins. Entering the 19th year of his Cup career in 2024, Denny Hamlin will surely want to shake off this absurd record. Considering the last few Cup champions’ win tally barring the season they were crowned, Ryan Blaney’s 7 Cup race wins with Kyle Larson‘s 16 and Chase Elliott‘s 11 would give us a collective of just 34 wins, which is still 17 short of Denny’s haul.

It’s unfortunate how Hamlin fails to make the cut year after year. Following his 5oth victory at Pocono in July, Hamlin, tied with Junior Johnson to become the winningest driver without a championship to their names. Hamlin broke that record at Bristol with a convincing win in the Round of 16.

There have been some very unlucky drivers who have not won the championship. Carl Edwards and Dale Earnhardt Jr are classic examples of misfortunate circumstances pushing them away from glory. However, with the longevity and consistency Denny Hamlin has shown, it is only fair for him to retire with the tag of a NASCAR champion on his suit.

Watch This Story: Next Gen Cars Stir Debate in NASCAR