Denny Hamlin sees Ty Gibbs turning the corner after Bristol race

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin recently shared his thoughts on his teammate Ty Gibbs winning Sunday’s Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. On the latest episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin appreciated Gibbs for handling criticism well, given his nepo baby status, and for proving his worth.

Gibbs debuted in the Cup Series with 23XI Racing in the 2022 season and drove as a part-time driver. Later, he transitioned to Joe Gibbs Racing in the following season and secured a full-time seat with his grandfather’s team, Joe Gibbs Racing. Since then, the young driver has been piloting the #54 Toyota and delivering consistent results.

Speaking on that, Denny Hamlin highlighted the positive and mature mindset change in Ty Gibbs’ mindset this season. He further revealed that his JGR teammate has worked closely with Kevin Harvick in the simulator sessions and improved his racecraft.

Following that, Hamlin commented on the nepo baby criticism Gibbs has been facing and stated [00:44 onward]:

“He’s gotten so much criticism, silver spoon, nepo baby, whatever it might be, like for so many years, and he just handled it great. He never really addressed it, never defended it. Like I tried to explain to him a few times, we’re on the right ride to the racetrack together, and when I was your age, I was still barely winning late model races, like barely.”

“Sometimes it takes age and some experience to figure out what it takes to be successful in the Cup Series, and I think that he’s starting to figure that out,” he concluded.

Ty Gibbs moved up two spots in the 2026 Cup Series drivers’ points table after his Bristol Motor Speedway win. He ranks fourth with 281 points, one win, five top-five finishes, and six top-ten finishes in eight starts this season so far.

“You never forget your first one”: Ryan Blaney reacted to Ty Gibbs’ maiden Cup Series triumph

Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney also competed in the Food City 500 on Sunday and closely missed the chance to secure his second win of the season. Later during the post-race interview, Blaney reacted to Ty Gibbs securing his first-ever Cup Series win.

The #54 Toyota driver had a solid start to the 505-lap race. He qualified fifth for the race while Blaney secured the pole position. Further in the race, Gibbs struggled in the initial stage but recovered in the final stage. The 23-year-old driver took the lead after the eighth caution while the race leaders drove into the pits.

Despite having the fastest car on the grid, Ryan Blaney fell short of a few seconds to outperform Ty Gibbs. Later, reflecting on Gibbs’ first-ever Cup win, Blaney told the press:

“You never forget your first one, that’s for sure. You know, even though I’m bummed we didn’t win the race, like, I’m happy that Ty was able to get his first one because I remember what that was like and I remember the elation and the joy, especially when you’ve come close, um, you know, a handful of times, which he has, and, um, you know, honestly, Ty’s deal, Ty’s dealt with a lot of criticism.”

Ty Gibbs crossed the finish line 0.055 seconds ahead of Ryan Blaney at Bristol Motor Speedway. Blaney finished the race as the runner-up, while Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson, who led 284 laps, clinched a third-place finish.