“The Dale Jrs Retired, Jeff Gordons Retired”: Denny Hamlin Asks Joe Gibbs Haters to Look No Further Than Hendrick Motorsports Amid Criticism of Ty Gibbs Hire

Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing parting ways last season was a big blow to many. This saw Ty Gibbs take the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion’s place at JGR. While many doubted how Busch would do with his new team Richard Childress Racing, he’s started winning with them. At the same time, young Ty Gibbs is just settling into his new role. With haters doubting this move by JGR, Denny Hamlin recently came forward to support it.

Hamlin has been with JGR for 18 years now and knows the dynamics of the team inside out. He has worked closely with Joe Gibbs and has full faith in the team’s plans for the future. Recently, he drew similarities between JGR’s and Hendrick Motorsports‘ approach and then went on to silence the Ty Gibbs critics.

Denny Hamlin sees JGR following the HMS route

As Joe Gibbs Racing is undergoing a massive change, it will take time for Ty to settle. Denny Hamlin spoke about the transition on his podcast, Actions Detrimental.

The 42-year-old veteran has belief in the youngster and spoke about how Ty will play an important role in the team. He said, “In the long haul, you know, I think likely JGR has someone that they are going to be happy with for the next 10 to 15 years as well in Ty Gibbs.”

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Explaining how HMS had a similar approach a few years ago, Hamlin said, “So, we saw Hendrick Motorsports go through a reset. I think people were kind of down on them probably four to five years ago. The veterans left, the Dale Jrs retired, Jeff Gordons retired, the Jimmie Johnsons retired, and they brought in a young group.

“And that group didn’t have instant success, I think they went through about a year of struggles. But in the long term, it paid off for them and those drivers became great competitors of the sport and guys that win races. […] But that’s the same lineup people were questioning just a few years ago.”

This isn’t the first time that Hamlin has voiced his support for young drivers.

Hamlin demands patience with young drivers

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The 23XI Racing co-owner has been protective of Ty Gibbs previously also. Last month, speaking on the NASCAR Hub, Hamlin conceded that there will be immense pressure on the youngster to perform. At the same time, he used Chase Elliott‘s example to stop fans from forming unrealistic expectations of Ty Gibbs.

Hamlin asked critics to stop comparing Kyle Busch and Ty Gibbs, saying, “He’s [Ty Gibbs] so young, we have to really be patient with some of these young guys. Some of the best ones, Chase Elliott, and these guys didn’t hit their strides till three-four years in and 25 years old. You know he’s [Ty Gibbs] 20 right? So let’s just all be patient and not compare him to who is who’s stepping in for.”

The three-time Daytona 500 winner has got a point there. On the other hand, if Busch manages to register more wins this season, critics will pile up even more pressure on Ty Gibbs.

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