The biggest free agent signing this past offseason is excited about what lays ahead. Team owner Joe Gibbs is excited about the promise of winning the organization’s first championship in 10 years. And Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin are excited about the potential of an expanded Joe Gibbs Racing and rebounding from what, at times, was a frustrating 2014 season. Overall, there’s a lot of excitement bubbling over from all involved.
Excitement palpable at Joe Gibbs Racing
The addition of Carl Edwards and an expanded operation has everyone within Joe Gibbs Racing optimistic about the season ahead.
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Team: Joe Gibbs Racing
Key players: Joe Gibbs, Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin
Changes: No team has undergone more change this offseason than JRG, which lured Edwards away from Roush Fenway Racing and expanded to four full-time cars. Edwards’ addition necessitated the hiring of 100 new employees and served as a catalyst to shuffle the team’s crew chiefs around -- Edwards will be paired with Darian Grubb, Hamlin’s old crew chief; Hamlin gets Dave Rogers, who’s led Busch’s team since 2009; and Adam Stevens was promoted from the Xfinity Series to fill Rogers’ spot. Only Kenseth and crew chief Jason Ratcliff remain as is.
Key takeaways: After a down season that saw Kenseth, Busch and Hamlin combine to win just twice, Gibbs is effusive that a deepened JGR roster can bounce back in a big way. And the three-time Super Bowl-winning coach may have a point. Any of the four JGR drivers could realistically be viewed as championship contenders, especially if an improved Toyota engine can provide additional horsepower.
In their words: “We’re going to have a chance every single week. It’s a thrill for all of us at Joe Gibbs Racing and I’m really thankful to be a part of something like this.” -- Gibbs on his expectations for the coming season.
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