Denny Hamlin Gets New Crew Chief for 2025

Denny Hamlin will have a new crew chief for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season as Chris Gabehart has been promoted to competition director at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). Hamlin expressed surprise at the crew chief change, noting he did not request it and was informed after the season finale. Chris Gayle, who previously led Ty Gibbs' No. 54 team, will take over as Hamlin's crew chief. Gabehart and Hamlin enjoyed significant success together, winning 22 races and reaching the Championship 4 three times. JGR owner Joe Gibbs believes the organizational changes will strengthen the team's performance, especially after they failed to qualify for the Championship 4 in 2024. The crew chief for Gibbs' No. 54 team has yet to be announced.