Joe Gibbs Racing crew chiefs Chris Gayle, Adam Stevens and James Small say their teams must execute at Martinsville to keep their NASCAR Cup Series championship hopes alive. They discussed the pressure of chasing Kyle Larson’s No. 5 team, the playoff’s unpredictable points swings and the adjustments needed for the track’s demanding conditions.

By the Numbers
  • 2 races remain in the season.
  • Stevens said his team faces a gap of about 70 points to make up.
  • Gayle cited 4 wins and an All-Star Race win for Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 team this year.
  • The crew chiefs described the Chase as a 10-race playoff.
Yes, But

Stevens said the points gap is difficult to overcome, but not mathematically impossible; a strong run and favorable circumstances could keep the No. 20 in contention. Gayle called Hamlin’s season successful regardless of the final result, while acknowledging the team remains focused on closing the gap.

State of Play
  • Larson’s No. 5 team has built a substantial advantage, but the other contenders are still fighting to stay in range.
  • Gayle said the No. 11 team is targeting every available point at Martinsville.
  • Small said the No. 19 team’s immediate goal is to leave Martinsville with a chance to compete next week.
  • The crew chiefs pointed to wins, qualifying, stage points and execution as major drivers of the playoff’s sharp points swings.
What’s Next

Martinsville’s race will shape who remains in position to challenge for the title in the season’s final race. The teams will weigh stage points against pit strategy, while the No. 11 team also works to adapt Hamlin’s driving technique to the track.

Bottom Line

With the championship picture tightening, clean execution and every point matter. The contenders need a strong Martinsville result to prevent Larson’s lead from becoming insurmountable.