Losing your ally in the pit box isn't something any driver wants, especially if they helped you win races. The post Joe Gibbs Insider Finally Reveals the Reality Behind Shock Team Shuffle Involving Denny Hamlin appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Denny Hamlin said Friday he was "shocked" to learn crew chief Chris Gabehart will move into a new role with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2025.

Under Gabehart’s guidance, Hamlin consistently delivered, never dipping below P8 place in the driver standings, having secured a top-4 championship finish during their first three seasons together. Over the course of six seasons, the duo racked up 22 wins.

Joe Gibbs Racing announced that Chris Gayle will serve as the crew chief for Hamlin’s No. 11 team, with Chris Gabehart being promoted to competition director. Gayle has served as crew chief for JGR’s No. 54 team for the past two seasons.

With those struggles as the backdrop, JGR officials recognize Gabehart is undoubtedly one of the best crew chiefs in the Cup garage and believe his insight and expertise could better serve the company in a larger role as competition director, similar to the transition Chad Knaus made with Hendrick Motorsports in 2020.

Joe Gibbs Racing announced Friday that Chris Gayle will serve as the new crew chief for Denny Hamlin's No. 11 team, with Chris Gabehart being promoted to competition director.

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. While we are still in the process of finalizing the new crew chief for the 54 team,

Denny Hamlin did not ask for a crew chief change for his No. 11 team and didn't see it coming when Joe Gibbs Racing made that decision. "I certainly was shocked by it," Hamlin said Friday before the NASCAR Awards banquet.