Denny Hamlin reacts to Ty Gibbs, No. 6 team pit road controversy at NASCAR Sonoma

Ty Gibbs found himself in some trouble on Lap 52 of Sunday’s race at Sonoma Raceway. Gibbs passed through Brad Keselowski‘s pit box and clipped a tire being held by the No. 6 team’s tire carrier.

Telvin McClurkin, who was over the pit wall preparing for Keselowski’s arrival, finished the pit stop before confronting the No. 54 team’s pit crew, where a minor altercation ensued. Denny Hamlin, Gibbs’ Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, said on Monday’s “Actions Detrimental” podcast said the incident was simply a case of “bad timing.” Hamlin said both Gibbs and the No. 6 team were trying to gain advantage and unfortunately, the contact happened.

“You can see where he came in one way one time, came in another way a different time, but he is in front. So, he has the right to use the pit box. It’s just bad timing, is the best I can explain it,” Hamlin said. “Whenever you’re pitted in front of someone and then you’re barely in front of them on track, what happens is you have their tire carries and their jackman kind of standing at the wall. They’ve changed the rule recently over the last year or two to where they don’t want these guys jumping off the wall. That’s too much weight, you’ll create injuries. So, they let them kind of get ready in their pit box.

“Well, they’re trying to get around to the right side of the car before it stops. Brad’s team is trying to get their advantage, which is get to the right side as soon as possible. But they’re not able to run out there till after the 54 passes, which that definitely does slow them down. I didn’t see the carrier move from his position, but I think Ty was trying to get the best angle into his box — which he’s entitled to — and the contact happened. Who’s fault? I don’t know. Both sides were trying to gain an advantage.”

NASCAR makes a ruling on Ty Gibbs, No. 6 team incident at Sonoma

NASCAR determined that Gibbs didn’t do anything wrong on his entry. While NASCAR is no longer reviewing Gibbs’ entry, they will review the altercation on pit road. The incident involving McClurkin is closed. NASCAR said that the No. 6 team should have given Gibbs more room to enter his pit stall.

“The rule is the rule, and the 54 [car] in that instance has the right of way, and the pit crew members just have to be aware enough to know that and not run into traffic unless you have to,” JGR competition director Chris Gabehart said. “[McClurkin] has the right to be standing out there, but the 54 has got to get in his box first. And it’s one of those tough rules. I don’t really fault anybody on it. It just takes a lot of give-and-take in that situation. And unfortunately, they got into him.”

Gibbs continued his fine run of form, finishing seventh at Sonoma. Keselowski, who has struggled at road courses throughout his career, finished P11, his second-best finish on a road course in the Next Gen era.