Denny Hamlin Stunned as Joe Gibbs Racing Shakes Up No. 11 Team Leadership Ahead of 2025 Season

Denny Hamlin expressed surprise following Joe Gibbs Racing’s announcement of significant changes to the leadership of his No. 11 NASCAR Cup Series team for the 2025 season. On Friday, ahead of the NASCAR Awards banquet, the team revealed that Chris Gabehart, who has served as Hamlin’s crew chief since 2019, will step into a new role as competition director at JGR. Gabehart’s departure marks the end of a highly successful partnership that has seen Hamlin secure numerous wins and remain a perennial championship contender under his guidance.

Replacing Gabehart atop the No. 11 pit box will be Chris Gayle, another experienced crew chief within the JGR organization. Gayle is transitioning from his role leading the No. 54 team, where he worked closely with Ty Gibbs, the 2022 Xfinity Series champion and Cup Series rookie standout. Gayle brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong track record of success to his new position, having previously proven his ability to develop talent and execute race-winning strategies.

For Hamlin, the news came as an unexpected twist. Having formed a strong bond with Gabehart over their five-year collaboration, he acknowledged being “shocked” by the decision but recognized the importance of adapting to changes within a highly competitive environment. Hamlin and Gabehart’s tenure together yielded a remarkable level of consistency, with the duo earning multiple wins each season and frequently competing for the Cup Series title, though they fell short of clinching a championship.

JGR’s decision is seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the organization’s overall competitiveness. Gabehart’s promotion to competition director aligns with the team’s commitment to leveraging its top talent across all operations, while Gayle’s move to the No. 11 team presents an opportunity for fresh perspectives and continued success.

As the NASCAR world digests the news, fans and analysts are eager to see how these changes will impact the No. 11 team’s performance in 2025. Hamlin, who remains one of the sport’s top drivers, will now embark on a new chapter with Gayle, aiming to maintain his elite status and finally capture an elusive Cup Series championship. Meanwhile, Gabehart’s influence in his new role is expected to bolster JGR’s competitive edge across the board.