Losing your ally in the pit box isn’t something any driver wants, especially if they helped you win races. Denny Hamlin isn’t any different. With Chris Gabehardt climbing the ladders at Joe Gibbs Racing, it was inevitable. However, the real kicker is Hamlin being in the dark about the move, leaving him as surprised as the fans.

Now that the news has settled in for fans Joe Gibbs Racing insider has finally spoken up, explaining the move.

Why was Chris Gabehart promoted?

Denny Hamlin and Chris Gabehart were easily one of the most famous duos in NASCAR. After multiple race victories that included Daytona 500s and a strong bond off the track, no one on the grid saw the move coming, including Denny Hamlin. Speaking at a press conference, Denny Hamlin was quick to show he knew nothing about the decision. After all, it was a move that was aimed at keeping the #11 car running well, just as it did with Gabehart in charge.

However, it was clear it wasn’t a decision Denny Hamlin was a part of.  Now, Joe Gibbs Racing‘s president Dave Alpern has finally shed some light on the issue on SiriusXM. He revealed why the move took place and what the plans were for Denny Hamlin. “We all agreed that now is the time we need to fill that competition director role. And, we all honestly talked about internal candidates and I think there was no question that Chris Gabehart is a born leader. He is an amazing leader. very good at what he does.”

He then said that when the team approached Gabehart, it was uncertain whether he was ready to leave his current position or if he would accept the new opportunity. Recognizing the rarity of such job openings, they had a conversation with Gabehart and he responded positively. The move also comes as a big strategic change for the team. Following Hamlin’s three wins early on in the season, Joe Gibbs Racing wasn’t dominating races the way it used to in the latter part of the season.

Apart from Christopher Bell’s win in the Round of 8, they relied on points to get them into the next stage of the playoffs. With Chris Gabehart, they have a veteran of the sport joining them in the higher management of the team. His experience can prove invaluable when making the changes needed to get Joe Gibbs Racing back on top.

Alpern later added, “I can tell you that it has everything to do with Chris and nothing to do with what car he was on. It’s just that he was the right guy. When you are a big organization like we are, you are always looking at how we can make ourselves better. It’s a great thing for Chris, Selfishly, it’s a great thing for Joe Gibbs Racing,” he said.

Understanding there was a driver-crew chief duo being split, Alpern acknowledged that the move left a hole for Hamlin.

Why was Chris Gayle selected as Crew Chief for Joe Gibbs Racing’s #11 team?

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After promoting Gabehart, JGR wanted to ensure that the number 11 team stayed intact. Alpern explained when it came to finding the right crew chief for Hamlin’s team, the group felt that it should be a veteran internal guy. That was where Chris Gayle came into the picture. “I think the group kind of agreed there that if we can have a veteran JGR guy, like Chris Gayle, that will keep the 11-car (team) as stable and intact as possible. Chris Gayle and Gabehart have similar backgrounds here at JGR.”

While Chris Gabehart joined JGR back in 2012, Gayle started in the role of crew chief in the following year. Both crew chiefs worked with Xfinity drivers along the way, racking up numerous wins. Gayle, however, found a greater level of success in Xfinity, winning the title when he was crew chief for Ty Gibbs. When Ty Gibbs found himself racing in the Cup Series, Joe Gibbs Racing felt it was best to bring his title-winning crew along. Gabehart, on the other hand, took over the reins for Denny Hamlin‘s #11 Camry in 2019 and hasn’t looked back since.

Although working with a new crew chief will take some time to get used to for Hamlin, this might be the change he needs to fulfill his Cup Series ambitions. After all, Denny Hamlin’s ultimate aim remains the elusive Cup Series trophy.

About working with Hamlin, Gayle said, “Denny is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. I’m looking forward to working with him and the guys on the No. 11 team. He and Gabehart have established an incredible culture that is a very good barometer for our other drivers and teams to strive to match. I have all the confidence in the world, that we can hit the ground running and continue the success that this group is accustomed to in 2025.”

Do you think Gayle and Hamlin would be a good team?