During the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 12, 2025, Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota Camry experienced a significant setback. On Lap 384, a right-front wheel detached from the vehicle, causing Hamlin to make contact with AJ Allmendinger’s car and bringing out the 13th caution of the race. This incident led to a two-lap penalty for Hamlin, who ultimately finished 5 laps down in 31st place. But the consequences are worse.
In the aftermath of the race, Hamlin addressed the situation with a pragmatic perspective. He acknowledged the challenges faced by his team but emphasized the importance of concentrating on aspects within their control. Hamlin stated, “I have no idea who’s sitting on the bench or who’s ready, and it’s not even my concern… because that’s the crew chief. He handles the people. My concern needs to be on the things that I can control.” But now, just ahead of the Kansas race, a few changes in the No. 11 pit crew have stirred up the JGR garage.
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Denny Hamlin relies on experienced substitutes for the NASCAR Playoffs’ Kansas race
In a strategic move to address recent personnel changes, Joe Gibbs Racing has assigned pit crew members to the No. 11 car of Denny Hamlin. Thomas Hatcher, who typically serves as the front tire changer for the No. 43 car, and Nate McBride, the jackman for the No. 4 Front Row Motorsports car driven by Noah Gragson, have been temporarily reassigned to Hamlin’s team. This decision comes after two of Hamlin’s regular crew members were suspended following a wheel-related violation during the Bristol Night race.
Thomas Hatcher brings a wealth of experience to the No. 11 team. Having spent the 2-24 season as the front tire changer for Martin Truex Jr.‘s No. 19 car, Hatcher’s expertise is well-established. His tenure with JGR includes a notable stint in 2022 when he was part of a crew swap between the No. 18 and No. 11 teams during the playoffs. He started as a mechanic at Roush Yates in 2004, before eventually becoming a tire changer at Roush Fenway Racing in 2007. He then moved to Team Penske in 2012 and stayed there until moving to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2021. These prior collaborations with Hamlin highlight Hatcher’s adaptability and familiarity with the specific demands of the No. 11 car.
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Nate McBride’s journey from the football field to the pit crew exemplifies a unique transition into motorsports. A former linebacker for the Georgia Bulldogs, McBride has leveraged his athletic background to excel as a jackman in NASCAR. His first significant assignment with Hamlin occurred in 2022 when he filled in for a suspended crew member during the Coca-Cola 600, a race that culminated in a victory for Hamlin. This success story underscored McBride’s capability to perform under pressure and contribute to the team’s achievements.
Adam Riley, a former wide receiver at Wingate University, is another integral member of the No. 4 crew and has also been called upon for substitute duties in the past. Notably, during a suspension in 2022, Riley stepped in as a rear tire changer for Bubba Wallace‘s team, demonstrating the versatility and reliability of the FRM’s pit crew members. These reflect the collaborative nature of NASCAR teams and the importance of having a deep bench of skilled personnel ready to step into critical roles when needed.
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This strategic move underscored the depth of talent within JGR’s extended pit crew network and its ability to maintain performance standards even in the absence of regular crew members. The No. 4 pit crew at FRM is renowned within the NASCAR community for its proficiency and reliability. Often regarded as JGR’s premier non-house pit crew, it served as a critical resource for backup assignments across various teams. But what about the suspended crew members?
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Denny Hamlin uses NASCAR’s new deferment rule to keep crew for playoffs
Denny Hamlin‘s No. 11 Toyota faced scrutiny after Bristol, after triggering a caution. In response to NASCAR’s revised 2025 rules, Hamlin made a strategic decision to defer the suspensions of key crew members Austin Maloney and Joel Bouagnon. “It’s obvious the timing mattered. Losing them at this moment would hit us harder than at a later race,” Hamlin explained, highlighting the importance of continuity and experience during critical playoff events.
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NASCAR’s new deferment rule allows teams to manage non-behavioral suspensions more efficiently, particularly when penalties occur mid-week. As Bob Pockrass noted, “Starting this year, for any non-behavioral suspension, teams can defer suspension for a week. In past, they’d file notice of appeal so suspension then deferred. NASCAR then arranged panelists, their travel and appeal defense, and then teams withdrew appeal, wasting NASCAR time.” Hamlin’s decision demonstrates how the rule helps teams avoid logistical headaches while preserving race preparation.
By deferring the suspension, JGR ensures its experienced crew will be available for critical playoff races at Kansas and Charlotte, while serving the penalties at less consequential events later in the season. Hamlin emphasized the challenge of certain tracks, noting, “Especially on the ROVAL, the pit crew’s execution can make or break your track position. We needed them at full strength.” This move underscores the value of strategic planning and timing in maintaining a competitive edge during the high-stakes NASCAR playoffs.