“And way back when, there wasn’t no such thing as a crew chief. You know, they had mechanics, crew mechanics, whatever they wanted to call them, and Dale was basically the first one.” This is what Richard Petty said about his spotter, Dale Inman. The ‘crew chief’ tradition began with him, and now spotters are an integral part of NASCAR. They’re the unsung heroes of NASCAR—the ones who see everything but never touch the wheel. They are the calm in the storm, guiding their drivers through mayhem at 190 mph. Back in the day, legends like Eddie D’Hondt and Tim Fedewa built reputations as the invisible hands steering race wins. And today, this is as evident as ever!

Sharp minds like Freddie Kraft and Brian Smith have garnered quite a reputation after making pivotal decisions that have changed race outcomes. But recently, at Darlington’s Goodyear 400, one spotter has earned himself quite a reputation.

Strategic calls to victory for Chris Lambert’s team

In a race marked by fluctuating fortunes, Denny Hamlin’s spotter, Chris Lambert, played a pivotal role in navigating the challenges at Darlington Raceway. Reflecting on the event, Lambert remarked, “​Well, it was up, it was down. It was not good for a while, but it ended really good.” Hamlin started the race in the 3rd position. However, he quickly slipped down and eventually ended stage 1 outside the top 10. But he made a comeback in Stages 2 and 3, managing to clinch the 3rd position in Stage 2 and eventually the top spot in Stage 3, winning the race.

A critical moment unfolded when a late-race caution was triggered by Kyle Larson’s spin with just four laps remaining. Anticipating the significance of the ensuing pit stop, Lambert advised Hamlin, “Get your brake bias right, and you will get your P1 on this pit stop.” Hamlin was running third as he came in and, thanks to a perfectly-timed pit stop, rolled out in the first position.

Lambert’s confidence in the team’s capability was evident as he noted, “​These guys here are unreal. Once we got control of the race, I knew that as long as we got good restart, we’re gonna be fine.“ The Joe Gibbs Racing pit crew, especially jackman Joel Bouagnon, were instrumental in this. His behind-the-back crossover move while switching to the left-side tires became a viral highlight. The move was not just flashy—it was fast, giving Hamlin’s No. 11 a critical edge during the pit cycle. In general, the overall pit stop strategy executed by JGR was commendable. Also, the weekend wasn’t just about Denny Hamlin’s success.

Lambert also celebrated Brandon Jones’ Xfinity Series win, which ended a 98-race drought for the driver. Brandon Jones took the lead on the final restart and held off Justin Allgaier and Chase Elliott to win. “I worked with him when he was in Gibbs the first time… to see how much he has progressed in the last five years,” Lambert said proudly. Jones’ victory added another highlight to Chris Lambert and JGR’s stellar weekend.

Darlington Raceway holds a special place in Lambert’s heart. “This is my favorite race track. It’s the ‘Lady in Black!’” he shared, reflecting on its challenging nature and rich history. The track’s unique layout and storied past make victories here even more meaningful for drivers and teams alike. With Joe Gibbs Racing firing on all cylinders, Lambert summed up the weekend perfectly: “I can definitely get used to this.”

As JGR continues its strong form, can they maintain this momentum and dominate the rest of the season? Well, given their presence in the sport, they should be.

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The breeding ground of championship contenders

Joe Gibbs Racing has been a dominant force in NASCAR since its inception in 1992, amassing five Cup Series championships. The team’s last championship came in 2019 when Kyle Busch secured his second title. This marked a high point for JGR, which had previously won championships with Bobby Labonte (2000) and Tony Stewart (2002, 2005).

In recent years, JGR has faced ups and downs. The 2024 season was particularly challenging. Despite earning six wins across the team’s four cars, none of its drivers advanced to the Championship 4. Christopher Bell came closest, finishing fifth in the standings after a strong playoff run. Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs struggled with consistency, while Martin Truex Jr. retired after a disappointing season.

The team’s earlier seasons were marked by transitions and milestones. JGR switched from General Motors to Toyota in 2008, a move that brought Toyota its first Cup championship with Busch in 2015. The team also expanded its driver development program, nurturing talents like Joey Logano and Aric Almirola. These efforts solidified JGR’s reputation as both a championship contender and a talent incubator.

JGR has also excelled in the Xfinity Series, winning four championships and producing future Cup stars. In 2024, Brandon Jones returned to JGR’s Xfinity lineup after stints with other teams. His victory at Darlington in 2025 highlighted the team’s continued strength in NASCAR’s secondary series, complementing its Cup efforts.

As JGR seeks to reclaim its glory in the 2025 season, the question remains: Can the team return to championship form and end its six-year drought? Looking at recent performances, it certainly seems like the fire’s still burning at Joe Gibbs Racing.

The talent is there. The legacy is proven. Now, it’s all about execution.