I know I certainly am not the only one coming to this conclusion anymore.
Denny Hamlin said Sunday, after his engine prematurely gave way that “their engine program was not up to par to Hendricks.” Really? How is that? Hendricks, who has 3 wins compared to Gibbs’ 9 wins? Hendricks wins have come at 2 horsepower linked tracks; Gibbs has wins at 5 tracks where engines and horsepower are key. How is it that Kyle Busch’s’ engines are better than those of his teammates, Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin, when they are built under the same roof? Is Kyle getting a special engine? Is there jet fuel in it, ala MWR and the 2007 Daytona 500? Or are the odd men out at Gibbs simply getting not up to par engines? How is it that Kyle Busch is the fastest week in and week out, yet, his teammates are simply, not that great? Sure, Denny has a win, a few good runs, as well as Tony having great runs, but I mean, 8 wins for Kyle? It’s not just his talent people!
Getting a grip on the Car of Today/Tomorrow/whatever the heck it is now. How is it that now 2 years in a row, Joe Gibbs Racing has honestly had the best grip on the COT, just not the results to prove it? Every team initially has trouble getting the car to handle right, get the right camber/air pressure combination, and down force advantage possible, but Denny, why are you saying you’re not getting a grip on it? Is someone on your team tightening up your car instead of loosening it? Is your crew chief Mike Ford not getting this car? What is going on, kid?! It can’t be that you’re not getting it, hello, go ask Steve and Kyle, open book policy!
Mechanical issues seem to plague JGR as a whole as well. Or at least, most of the time for the OMO (odd men out) as I will call them. Sure, Kyle’s had a mechanical issue here and there, for instance the Spring Bristol race and the power steering. Denny, lets see, it takes more than one hand to count. Starting from last year, Atlanta, I know we all remember the ‘fuel’ issue, and Truex taking off the back of Dennys car. Bristol, this spring, a fuel pressure pick up. Chicagoland. Then there are the engine issues. Michigan this past week. The All Star Race. Seriously, what is going on within the walls of Joe Gibbs Racing?
Joe Gibbs Racing, who are you COMMITED to?
Honestly, people ask yourself this question, then think. They are committed to Kyle Busch and Joey Logano. Why would they be committed to a driver who is simply, leaving them for greener pastures next season? And Denny, oh faithful Denny. It seems as though Denny has simply taken the role previously held by JJ Yeley. He is now the test m.o.n.k.e.y, and simple filler. How is it that a guy, who came out of left field, and has been a proven winner, championship contender and a great competitor, been thrown to the bottom of the pit?
I’m sorry Joe Gibbs Racing but if you think Joey is going to do what Kyle has done this year, I think you are terribly mistaking yourself, and I honestly hope you ready yourself for disappointment. I mean, look, you guys are having to CHEAT in the Nationwide series to win, wither it is proven or not. Yeah, everyone’s been thrilled with ‘Joey Mania’ it feels like I’m a Jonas Brother/Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana concert, being surrounded by a thousand screaming teeny boppers. But when, a kid straight out the Camping World series, gets pissed at a 6th place finish his first race, there is something very arrogant about that. Most drivers, young or old are happy with just finishing their first race, and when you get pissed for not getting a top 5, what the hell is wrong with you? I’m sorry Joey Logano but the WORLD does not revolve around you. Get off your Game Stop sponsored high horse, and learn some respect or you will simply end up as a has been a few years down the road like Casey Atwood.
Everyone knows a crew chief and a driver have a special relationship. They are like two babies born from the same womb, connected by a love of racing. They know each others greatness’ and simple faults. This is the 2nd year I’ve asked myself if Mike Ford and Denny Hamlin are simply too much alike? Look at Kyle and Steve and Tony and Zippy. Tony and Zippy are by far the greatest example for driver/crew chief relationships. If I was a driver I would want someone like Zippy behind me and making the calls. Denny has certainly tore his team apart more than once in his racing career, we can all remember his pit crew fiasco that may have cost him the championship his freshman year. If Zippy does not leave and go with Tony, I don’t think someone like Joey deserves Zippy. Give Mike to Joey, and switch Zippy to Denny. Mike is great with rookies. Zippy is a nurturing but ever amicable crew chief. He’ll question you, but he’ll teach you the greatest lessons of your life. In my opinion, Mike and Denny are simply too alike, personality, driver and decision wise. Maybe this is what is slowly but surely tearing the 11 team apart?
And Denny Hamlin, I should come to North Carolina and slap you across the face and tell you to suck it up. You, my friend are one of the best things to come to this sport in a long time. You are in my opinion the next Matt Kenseth. You are the silent contender. You have talent beyond words, you have that ‘don’t tear up the equipment attitude’ that you have used for years since racing in family sponsored modifieds in Chesterfield and other tracks across Virginia. Do not let the teammates from HELL bring you down. Go out there, like you are racing to live. That there is a question if you’ll race next weekend. Your year will turn around. That m.o.n.k.e.y on your back will disappear. You, have to have faith in yourself. Faith in your team and faith in your equipment. I wouldn’t have faith in your organization either, but that’s my opinion. Believe that you are good, not the greatest, but you are one of those people 30 years from now, people will still talk about. Be the silent threat, the unexplainable and amazing person you are. Faith in yourself will show your team you have faith in them. Everyone needs a little faith, right?
So I pose a question? Is there something going on inside the walls of Joe Gibbs Racing?
Joe, JD, I ask you this. Are you screwing over Denny Hamlin? Seriously, get a hold of me; let me know what’s going on, because right now you are losing fans faster than a sinking ship. I have no faith in a cheating organization, and even if you simply deny deny deny, you were still, caught. I have no faith in an organization that is putting their VETERAN drivers in positions to not make a chase. Do you feel Denny and Tony are a threat to Kyle’s championship? Is this to simply rub that Kyle is the greatest in the face of everyone else? Keep doing it. You may be gaining new fans, but you’re surely losing twice as many with screwing you drivers over.
Why, or who in their right mind, would give Denny an engine to TEST 4 races before the chase when he’s barely hanging on. Why not to Kyle, with a 5 million point buffer? Kyle won’t fall out of the chase, not even lose a position. Are you trying to push your driver to leave? What the hell is wrong with you in the head? Don’t test an engine that’s proven to blow. Are you stupid? Seriously!
I, myself will sit here these next 3 races, with my fingers crossed; praying that Denny Hamlin and the FedEx Team can pull it together. By themselves, simply because their owners and organization are not behind them. Come Richmond, I will sit in front of the TV, quietly waiting. If and when the race is over and my driver makes the chase, I may simply gain a single ounce of respect and faith back for you Joe Gibbs Racing. I don’t want to be disappointed. I have put my faith in you for years now, and I have believed in you, only for you to do this.
My last words are to Joe Gibbs Racing; learn to equally cherish your drivers. This isn’t playing favorites, this is a sport, this is a way of life, and this is family. And you don’t screw over your family.
Theses thoughts and opinions are mine, simply coming from a very pissed and angry Hamlin fan. If you do not feel the same way, fine. That is your opinion. But this is my 11 cents.
DH - Interesting questions. I think part of it with Kyle is that he is determined to show Hendrick what he gave up. Plus, he really does drive what they bring to the track - too lose, no problem. Too tight, no worries.
But it is interesting that Denny has been the one who had engine problems. But then again, maybe he's due for a run of good luck.
I don't get it myself, if they are going to give one of their drivers a experimental engine why Denny? Seems they would use Smoke, if he doesn't make the chase they can give Joey some cup seat time. But I really don't think they were trying to hurt Denny, if the engine held up and he had a top 5 finish they would have been heroes. Remember when Smoke blew up in practice and Denny and Kyle during the race they were trying a new engine package on a non points race.
Zippy is definatly staying at Gibbs, I don't know if they have considered letting Denny have any races with him. Zippy said he looked forward to working with Joey though.
This sounds like something that an HMS fan would write. Why would Rick give. Jr the good engines and Casey gets the leftovers. Get over it. The Chevys are once again showing just how much better they are then the Toyotas. They have 5 cars in the chase so far from 2 different teams with Bowyer getting ready to slide right in after this next weekend. Who cares that one Toyota driver is having a good season. Where are the rest? The only Toyotas so far in the chase are all JGR. And by the end of this weekend Denny will be on the outside looking in. Once again Denny will be his worse enemy and drop another spot right into 13th. So that will only leave 2.
Kyle came into this season with a chip on his shoulder. His only focus is on winning races and proving all the nay sayers wrong. That even without the HMS magic that he can win races. Kyle is driving with a lot of incentive and a fire that no other driver besides Carl has right now. Just like IowaGirl said. He doesn't care how his car is handling. He's going to adjust to the car and not let the car adjust him. And that my friend is what is putting them in victory lane.
Denny has always been his worse enemy and a cry baby. He has always looked more to what the other drivers are doing then himself. He gets himself caught up and loses the little focus that he does have. Until he matures in that area. He will always be one of those drivers that came close but lost focus and blew his own season.
Last edited by frevr3fan on August 19th at 3:52 PM.
If you ain't winning, you ain't cheating or trying hard enough.
Personally I think there is some bad chemistry in the Hamlin crew.You don't go on an interview and knock your crew no matter how poorly they performed.
When you compare him to other drivers. He is no better then Kasey Kahne or Clint Bowyer as examples. A proven winner with only 4 cup wins? He's barely averaging 1 win a year. He finished 12th in points last year and that makes him a championship contender?
Im sorry but I am usually fair when I comment. But I am also very honest. Denny is not the driver that you protray him to be. Nobody owes him anything. He owes it to his team to quit giving up on himself and to grow up. This a good example when the fans put a driver on a pedestal and they dont perform the way you want them to. Denny played to much into the media and his fans instead of blocking them out and driving for Denny.
Right now Kyle and Carl could care less about the Jeff's and the Jimmie's of the sport. They drive for themselves. Not that they dont care about the fans. But there focus is on their performance. And when they perform well they make their fans happy. Thats why they are where they are. If Denny would have taken this road. He might be in a more happier place.
Last edited by frevr3fan on August 19th at 7:36 PM.
Hi Tara...I couldn't agree with you more. I have thrown Kyle Busch under the bus more times than you can count. This week I threw Joe and JD under with him...and someone even suggested the whole JGR organization should be thrown. I would have to exempt TS and DH, because they are good guys. If your crew is costing you wins, that needs to be mentioned. Jeff Gordon did it this week too. Jr. has a real axe to grind with Eury Jr. also! Cars may be even but crews are winning and losing races, and Denny's has had more than his fair share! Good Blog!
My name is Tara, but I'm also known as Denny Hamlins biggest fan. I have been lucky enough to meet my drivers, both at the Oct 2007 Martinsville race. They are amazing! DH and LC to the fullest!
