Denny Hamlin ‘Shocked’ Chris Gabehart Won’t Crew Chief No. 11 Team in 2025
In a shocking turn of events in the NASCAR Cup Series, Denny Hamlin, one of the sport’s most accomplished drivers, expressed his disbelief over the news that his long-time crew chief, Chris Gabehart, would not be returning to the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing team in 2025. The announcement sent shockwaves through the NASCAR world, leaving fans and insiders alike wondering about the dynamics of the No. 11 team and its future prospects. Hamlin, who has worked closely with Gabehart since 2019, made no secret of his surprise at the decision and reflected on their successful partnership.
The No. 11 team, consisting of Hamlin behind the wheel and Gabehart calling the shots from the pit box, has been one of the most successful and consistent duos in recent NASCAR history. Together, they have achieved numerous victories, playoff appearances, and championship contending seasons. Their partnership has not only brought success on the racetrack but has fostered a unique bond built on mutual respect and trust. Therefore, when the news broke that Gabehart would not continue as crew chief in 2025, it was a blow to Hamlin, the team, and the larger NASCAR community.
The Long-Standing Partnership
Denny Hamlin and Chris Gabehart’s partnership dates back to 2019 when Gabehart was named the crew chief of the No. 11 team at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). Gabehart, who had previously worked with JGR’s development team and spent time as a race engineer for the team, was tasked with overseeing Hamlin’s efforts at a pivotal point in the driver’s career. Hamlin had been a consistent threat in NASCAR’s top series for many years, but he had yet to win a championship. The partnership with Gabehart would soon prove to be the spark Hamlin needed.
In their first year together, the team immediately showed signs of success. Hamlin won a career-high seven races in 2019 and finished third in the overall standings. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the pair seemed poised to take on the NASCAR Cup Series in a way that had yet to be seen. Gabehart’s ability to make adjustments during races and his tactical acumen became key elements of their success. Hamlin’s trust in Gabehart’s judgment on the track was evident, and the two quickly formed one of the most successful driver-crew chief pairings in the sport.
Over the next several seasons, Hamlin and Gabehart continued to perform at an elite level. They scored multiple wins in the years that followed, including triumphs in prestigious events such as the Daytona 500. However, despite their success, they came up short in the quest for the ultimate prize – the NASCAR Cup Series championship. Hamlin made it to the championship four multiple times, but a championship win remained elusive.
In 2021, the team again came close, with Hamlin finishing as runner-up in the Cup Series. Despite the near-miss, the bond between Hamlin and Gabehart remained strong, and the prospect of securing that elusive title seemed within reach. The team’s continued success and their consistent ability to challenge for race wins and playoff spots made them one of the most formidable duos in NASCAR.
The Shock of Gabehart’s Departure
Given the success that the No. 11 team enjoyed with Gabehart at the helm, the news that he would not continue as crew chief in 2025 took everyone by surprise. Denny Hamlin himself admitted that he was “shocked” by the announcement, as it was unexpected and out of left field, considering their longstanding relationship. The decision to part ways with Gabehart raised questions about the future direction of the team and whether a change in leadership would impact Hamlin’s performance on the track.
In interviews following the announcement, Hamlin shared his disbelief at the news and reflected on the years of success that he and Gabehart had enjoyed together. Hamlin emphasized the deep level of respect he had for Gabehart, both as a professional and as a person. He credited Gabehart with being instrumental in his career success and expressed gratitude for the partnership that had blossomed over the years.
“I was shocked when I heard the news,” Hamlin said in a statement after the announcement. “Chris and I have been through so much together. We’ve won a lot of races, and we’ve made a lot of memories. The chemistry between us is something that you don’t find every day in this sport. I thought we were building something special here at JGR, and I really believed that we were on the cusp of a championship.”
Hamlin’s emotional response to Gabehart’s departure reflected the deep connection that had developed between the two. As a driver, having a crew chief who understands your strengths and weaknesses is crucial to success, and Hamlin and Gabehart had built that rapport over years of working together. The decision to part ways was not only a professional setback for Hamlin but also a personal one, as the two had become close friends and trusted colleagues.
The Impact on the No. 11 Team
The No. 11 team has been one of the most consistent and competitive teams in NASCAR for several years. With Hamlin behind the wheel and Gabehart in the pit box, the duo has been able to maintain a high level of performance in one of the most competitive racing series in the world. Therefore, the decision to part ways with Gabehart raises several questions about the team’s future.
First and foremost, who will replace Gabehart as crew chief? The crew chief-driver relationship is one of the most important partnerships in motorsports, and finding the right fit for Hamlin will be crucial for the team’s continued success. A change in leadership could disrupt the team’s chemistry and lead to a period of adjustment. Given Hamlin’s established level of performance, it will be important for JGR to find a crew chief who can maintain the momentum and help Hamlin contend for a championship.
Additionally, the timing of Gabehart’s departure is significant. With the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season just around the corner, the team will have to move quickly to find a replacement. There will likely be a list of potential candidates, both from within Joe Gibbs Racing and from outside the organization. However, replacing a crew chief of Gabehart’s caliber will not be an easy task, and it will require someone with experience and a deep understanding of the demands of leading a competitive NASCAR team.
Another factor to consider is the effect of this change on Hamlin’s motivation and outlook. Hamlin is known for his competitive drive and has always been focused on winning races and championships. However, having a new crew chief in 2025 may require him to adjust his approach and develop a new working relationship with someone else. Whether this transition will disrupt Hamlin’s performance or propel him to greater success remains to be seen, but it is a significant change that could alter the trajectory of the team.
The Bigger Picture
The decision to part ways with Chris Gabehart also raises questions about the larger dynamics at Joe Gibbs Racing. While JGR has been one of the most successful teams in NASCAR over the years, there have been changes to their driver lineup and crew chief positions. The departure of Gabehart from the No. 11 team is just one example of the fluid nature of team structures in the sport. As teams evolve and look for ways to improve their performance, changes to key personnel are often inevitable.
For Hamlin, the news of Gabehart’s departure comes at a time when he is at a pivotal moment in his career. At 43 years old, Hamlin is still one of the top drivers in the series, but his window for capturing a championship is closing. With the 2025 season on the horizon, it will be crucial for Hamlin to find a new partnership with his crew chief that allows him to remain competitive and contend for the championship in the coming years.
It is also important to note that this change comes as NASCAR enters a new era with the introduction of the Next Gen car, which has created new challenges for drivers and teams. Adapting to the new car requires a high level of technical expertise and strategic planning, making the role of the crew chief even more vital than before. As the sport continues to evolve, having the right leadership on the pit box is essential for teams to remain competitive.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing will face a critical transition as they search for a new crew chief for the No. 11 team. The departure of Chris Gabehart is undoubtedly a major shake-up, but it also presents an opportunity for the team to regroup and come back stronger. Whether Hamlin can adapt to a new crew chief or continue his pursuit of a championship with a different leader at the helm will be one of the biggest storylines of the 2025 season.
For now, Hamlin’s focus remains on finishing strong in 2024 and achieving his ultimate goal of winning a NASCAR Cup Series championship. While the news of Gabehart’s departure is a bitter pill to swallow, Hamlin’s competitive spirit will drive him to continue pushing for success, regardless of the changes that lie ahead.
In the world of NASCAR, change is inevitable, but the bond between a driver and their crew chief is special. As Denny Hamlin processes the news of Chris Gabehart’s departure, he will undoubtedly carry with him the lessons, victories, and memories that they shared throughout their partnership. Whether the duo will be able to reunite in the future or if this marks the end of an era remains to be seen, but for now, the journey of the No. 11 team will continue, with new challenges and new opportunities on the horizon.
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