"One of those days where I felt like it was meant to be": When Denny Hamlin dedicated first Cup Series win with Chris Gabehart to late J. D. Gibbs

Following his victory in the 2019 Monster Cup Series at Daytona, Denny Hamlin dedicated his win to the late Jason Dean Gibbs, former president of Joe Gibbs Racing. It was also the same race where the #11 driver raced with Chris Gabehart, his crew chief, for the first time.

Hamlin claimed the 2019 Daytona 500 victory in the race held at Daytona International Speedway after he held off Kyle Busch and Erik Jones in the season-opening Cup Series race. It was the 32nd NASCAR Cup Series victory for the JGR man. With the victory, he broke his 47-race drought in the series. Following his win, he quickly stated that he dedicated the victory to Gibbs, former stock car racing driver and co-owner of Joe Gibbs Racing.

“It was just one of those days where I felt like it was meant to be,” Denny Hamlin said. “Hats off to Kyle as well. I know he was eagerly wanting his first victory in the Daytona 500, but today we just weren’t going to be denied.

The whole (Gibbs) family — they did so much for me over the course of my career. This one is for J.D. We’re desperately going to miss him the rest of our lives. His legacy still lives on through Joe Gibbs Racing and I’m proud to do this for them.”

Gibbs died on January 11, 2019, in Davidson, North Carolina, after suffering from four years in conditions related to brain function. He was the son of Joe Gibbs, founding co-owner of Joe Gibbs Racing.

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Joe Gibbs Racing appoints new crew chief for Denny Hamlin

Joe Gibbs Racing has announced the appointment of a new crew chief for Denny Hamlin after promoting Chris Gabehart to competition director. The Huntersville-based team will bring in Chris Gayle for the #11 car for the 2025 Cup Series season.

Denny Hamlin (11) during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Gayle served as the crew chief for Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing's #54 car for the last two seasons. It has yet to announce Gibbs' new crew chief. JGR owner and founder Joe Gibbs said:

"We have a lot of pride in the depth of talent we have throughout our organization. Chris Gabehart will now be an asset across all four of our teams as competition director and we thought it was important to have him transition into his new role immediately. Chris Gayle will bring his own perspective to the 11 team while also maintaining the consistency and continuity they have developed with Denny Hamlin over the past several years."

Both Gabehart and Gayle have been associated with Joe Gibbs Racing for several years, and have helped their drivers reach Playoffs in 2024. Gabehart joined the team back in 2012, while Gayle did it a decade ago in 2003.